Our City p1 18/3/13 17:17 Page 1

Issue 31

Chelsea Flower Show garden spectacular... FREE WIN TICKETS Cycle See page 13 map Delivered with this issue...

in Children join city PRIDEPRIDE PrideN INI council campaign OurOur CityCity our to improve our communities City See page two

Budget update: Building a great city: Where the money THE FACTS really goes Pages six, seven and nine Pages four and five Our City p2 18/3/13 12:24 Page 1

2 Our City SPRING/SUMMER 2013

PRIPR IDEDE Everyone can ININ OurOur play a part in CityCity Pride in Our City campaign By City Council Leader Councillor MOHAMMED PERVEZ

I was lucky enough to travel to Japan a few years ago where I visited places like Osaka, Ube and Hiroshima.What struck me was just Resident Mary Billings, 69, how free the streets were from talks about community safety litter in these cities.When I asked with PCSO Carl Radford how they achieved such high during the Ford Green and standards of street cleaning I was RESPECT Day. given a very simple answer:“We don’t drop litter!” I know many of you in our city are very proud and on this page and on page 28 you will see the fantastic efforts of our residents in Many hands make light helping to keep our city clean. But the sad fact is that not everyone feels the same. That is why the council is proud work of RESPECT action to be launching a Pride in Our City campaign aimed at encouraging TREETS were spruced up, more people to make this a city to Bill James with wasteland was cleared and be proud of. resident Andy crime prevention advice From litter picks to gardening S Wakefield. handed out as part of a community The events give competitions we will be “” encouraging everyone to get action day in Ford Green and involved. And we will also be Smallthorne. people a sense of The city council joined forces with the sending out a very strong message police and fire service as part of the pride and help to to those who blight our areas by wide-reaching event which enabled dropping litter or dumping residents to access a range of services make their rubbish.This cannot be tolerated. right on their doorstep. City Centre Bus Station It was part of the RESPECT initiative, community a great which has proved highly successful since it This month saw the opening of our was launched two and a half years ago. place to live. brand new iconic Stoke-on-Trent Thirty five neighbourhoods have been City Centre bus station as another cleared up so far and reports of antisocial part of our city-wide regeneration behaviour have plummeted by 35 per cent comes to fruition.The iconic from 17,000 in 2010 to 11,000 at the end of City council staff were also out in force building has transformed the city 2012. tackling dog fouling and fly tipping, while During the latest project, the city council’s members of the housing team were available centre skyline and improved access environment team were out in force to answer questions. Residents could drop in to public transport for residents sweeping and cleaning the area, pruning to a Police bus for advice and and visitors alike. trees and treating weeds. free equipment and Staffordshire Fire and Marketing our city Free skips were available on many of the Rescue Service carried out home fire and roads so people could dispose of bulky safety checks. The council has found an household items. Councillor Janine Bridges, Cabinet innovative way to market the city Meanwhile, new rubbish bins were also Member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and to investors and others while installed following litter picks. Community, said: “The Respect events celebrating our rich heritage. bring key local organisations This year our landscape into the heart of the gardeners have worked in community, allowing residents partnership with local businesses Blooming marvellous garden competition to access information and advice right on their doorstep. to create a fantastic show garden at DOES your garden dazzle with azalea, radiate Full details of the competition will be “People are able to make a the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. with roses or is it a haven for hydrangea? If so announced on stoke.gov.uk in early PRIP real difference by getting Sponsored by local businesses then our new gardening competition is just for April so look out for more details. RIDED ININ E involved in cleaning up their and Bartholomew Landscapes of you. BBC Radio Stoke has promised to OurOur area, sprucing up green spaces , the garden will give us the As part of our campaign to foster more Pride follow the campaign’s progress. CityCit and disposing of any unwanted opportunity to showcase our city to in Our City, the city council is encouraging The competition is open to y bulky household items in skips. investors and other opinion residents and businesses to spruce up their everyone who lives within the The events give people a sense formers during the show in May. gardens, back yards, school grounds and city’s boundary. of pride and help to make their For more details and the chance business premises. ● Find out more on the council’s community a great place to live to win tickets for the show see You may even want to get together to take Facebook and Twitter profiles – meeting an important aim in page 13. over green spaces where you live. @SOTcitycouncil. the Mandate for Change.”

Live webcast of full council meetings Give us your feedback on this issue of MEETINGS of the full council can now be viewed online.To see and hear Web: stoke.gov.uk Our City by emailing Our City is printed on the debates and decisions which affect life in Stoke-on-Trent, visit recycled paper.When Facebook: facebook.com/ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk and click on webcasting. you have finished with stokeontrent.citycouncil this publication please A list of dates and times of council meetings and committee meetings or write to: help the environment Twitter: @SoTCityCouncil by passing it on to a can be found on our website at stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates FREEPOST Our City. friend or recycling it. twitter.com/SoTCityCouncil Our City p3 18/3/13 12:28 Page 1

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Our City 3

Campaign launched to recognise our citizens’ pride PRIDEPRIDE OurOuININ r Residents across Stoke-on-Trent feel great pride in the people and places that CityCity make our city great... here Our City asks some visitors to the city centre what makes them proud about the place where they live...

Michelle Sanger, Lliam Green, 26, Victoria Felton, David Bithell, 63, Don Williams, 66, 41, from Oakhill: from Meir Hay: 36, from Milton: from Joiner’s from Bucknall: “Investment could “Everyone is a “Great that Emma Square: “Nice “Moved 22 years have a massive promoter of the Bridgewater is people who help ago and had such

impact on us all.” city.” based here.” others.” a warm welcome.” Residents Mel Hawkins, 59, and Kath Williamson, 66, litterpicking at Residents speak up about Ford Green. Can you help create a the best of our city better neighbourhood? VERY day, people of all ages, next three to five years will be very exciting.” HELP is available for residents looking to tidy up from all walks of life show Victoria Felton, aged 36, from Milton, said: their areas. what it means to be proud of “I am proud of our people. We have a small city The city council will support volunteers and E with a friendly attitude. is community groups to coordinate their clean-up Stoke-on-Trent. also something for us to be proud of. Stoke-on- From friendly neighbourhoods, world famous events, provide equipment such as litter pickers Trent is famous for its pottery and Emma is and collect any waste gathered as part of their ceramics industry and proud heritage to our keeping the industry alive in the city. It is great two professional football teams, our brand new efforts. her company is based here.” Councillor Andy Platt, Cabinet Member for schools to the parks and open spaces that beat David Bithell, aged 63, from Joiners like a green lung, we have lots to shout about. Green Enterprises and City Services, said:“To Square, said: “The people of Stoke-on-Trent help to create a better place for ourselves as part But don’t take our word for it. make me proud of the city. Eighty per cent of of our Mandate for Change, we all need to sell the As part of the city council’s new campaign to those who live here are nice people who will go promote “pride in our city” we spoke to out of their way to help others. city to people from outside and to do that, it shoppers in the City Centre and asked them “I am also proud of both of our football needs to look attractive. what made them proud about where they live. teams for what they have achieved over the “Everyone can help a little to make their area a Here is what they had to say: years.” better place to live by not dropping litter and Lliam Green, aged 26, from Meir Hay, said: Don Williams, aged 66, from Bucknall, said: helping to pick up what is already there. “Everyone from Stoke-on-Trent is a promoter “I moved to Stoke-on-Trent from Bolton 22 “We will always happy to support those efforts of the city and I think we should be proud of years ago and had such a warm welcome when where possible.” that. I arrived. The people here are so friendly and I For more information on support or events in “Stoke City being in the Premier League is think that is something that has been passed your area, please call our Administration Team on another big thing, as are our links with the down through the generations.” 01782 235575 between 9am-5pm Monday to pottery industry and the success Emma Jacky Crosby, aged 47, from Trentham, Friday. Bridgewater is having.” said: “We have got a great theatre and other Jacky Crosby, 47: Michelle Sanger, aged 41, from Oakhill, facilities in Stoke-on-Trent that people should “Theatres help draw said: “Stoke-on-Trent has massive potential be proud of. What makes you proud? and I think that is something to celebrate. “They help to draw people into the city and people into the City We want to know what makes you proud of “Once some improvements are made and if spend money here. The new bus station will Centre and spend Stoke-on-Trent. You can post your thoughts to the investment speculated for the city comes in, help to encourage even more people when that FREEPOST Our City or email [email protected] it could have a massive impact on all of us. The is complete.” money here.”

DID you know that litter picking and gardening are Sunday 28 April: Scotia Valley Clean up (10am-12.30pm). great ways to get fit and healthy too? So not only can Meet at the entrance barrier to Pittshill fishing pool at the you “clean up” but you can improve your overall health Get volunteering... bottom of St Michael’s Road, Pittshill. and well-being. A series of events are arranged where Monday 6 May: May Day Country Fair at Park Hall Country you can volunteer. Details listed below: Country Park (10am-12noon). Meet at the main visitor centre car park, off Hulme Road,. Park (10.30am-3.00pm) Find us at the main visitor centre car Saturday 30 March: Woodcrafts at Local park, off Hulme Road,Weston Coyney. Sunday 7 April: Volunteer workparty at Bagnall Road Wood Nature Reserve (10am-2pm ) Meet at Convent Pools Local Nature Reserve (10.30am-12.30pm). Meet at the Sunday 12 May: Scotia Brook Pools Pond Dip (10.30am- entrance, off Hartshill Road. Bagnall Road entrance, opposite Sunnyfield Oval. 12noon and 1.30pm-3pm). Meet at the barrier to Pittshill Sunday 31 March: Spring Clean at Holden Lane Pools Local fishing pool at the bottom of St Michael’s Road, Pittshill. Sunday 14 April: Heritage Country Nature Reserve (10am-12noon and 1pm-3pm). Meet at the Park Clean Up (10am-12noon and 1pm-3pm). Meet on the Saturday 18 May: Hartshill Park Local Nature Reserve site car park (Opposite to Aldi), off Leek New Road (A53). roadside just before the entrance gates to the Chatterley Spring Clean event (10am-12.30pm). Meet at the Vicarage Wednesday 3 April: Wildflower seed sowing at Berryhill Whitfield Enterprise Centre off Biddulph Road, Brindley Ford. Road car park, off Hartshill Road near to the Jolly Potter pub. Fields Local Nature Reserve (1pm-3pm). Meet at the Hall Hill Sunday 21 April: Shrub and wildflower planting at Hartshill Wednesday 29 May: Pond dipping at Park Hall Country Drive entrance, off Dividy Road, at 1pm. Park Local Nature Reserve (10am-12.30pm). Meet at the Park (1pm-2.30pm). Meet at the Bolton Gate car park, off the Saturday 6 April: Spring Clean Guided Walk at Park Hall Convent Pools entrance, off Hartshill Road. A520 (Leek Road),Weston Coyney at 1pm. Our City p4 18/3/13 15:48 Page 1

4 Our City SPRING/SUMMER 2013

Stoke-on-Trent City Council Budget 2013/14 at a glance

It’s not all about cuts... every year Stoke-on- ■ PEOPLE DIRECTORATE BUDGET 2013/14 Trent City Council spends tens of millions of A total of £352 million will be spent on services within the People directorate pounds on much-needed services. Here’s in 2013/2014.It provides vital frontline social care services for adults and where the money will go in 2013/14... children as well as overseeing school and nursery provision.It runs the council housing stock and supports people to live independently in their own homes ■ PLACE DIRECTORATE BUDGET 2013/14 with the help of specialist aids and equipment.This financial year it will: A total of £94 million will be spent on services within the Place directorate Help and support 3,000 people when in 2013/2014.It is at the heart of job creation and is responsible for they leave hospital delivering major road improvement schemes.It also runs leisure services Manage 19,000 council-owned and collects waste as well as maintaining public open spaces and properties across the city cemeteries.This financial year it will: Process more than 11,000 school Pay for 5.6 million concessionary admission requests fare journeys Provide 1,600 hours of home care every day Maintain more than 1,380 hectares of parks and open space Support 8,500 people to live independently on a daily basis Empty 5 million bins Provide 35,000 places for children at Maintain 376 hectares of cemeteries nursery, primary or secondary schools Organise StreetGames for 5,700 children Maintain 590 miles of road Help 4,000 people to live safely in their Provide 3,700 car parking spaces own homes with aids and equipment Maintain 34,000 street lights Support 745,000 visits to libraries

CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND CORPORATE SERVICES £3 million

PLACE £94 million

PEOPLE £352 million

■ CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND CORPORATE SERVICES DID YOU DIRECTORATE BUDGET 2013/14 A total of £3 million will be spent on services within the Corporate Services directorate in 2013/2014.It is KNOW? responsible for human resources,legal services,communications and finance including benefits,council tax ■ Council Tax accounts for less than 30 per and debt collection.This financial year it will: cent of funding, with over half coming from central government, and the remaining 16 per cent from retained local business rates. Carry out financial assessments of 9,000 adult social care service users ■ Stoke-on-Trent is the 16th most deprived Protect the public purse and ensure residents receive value area in . Stoke-on-Trent ranks 137th for money highest out of the 151 counties, London boroughs, unitary and metropolitan Pay £100 million in housing benefit authorities for preventable deaths; 147th for smoking; 135th for teenage pregnancy; and Return properties to council stock following successful 109th for childhood obesity. investigations into tenancy fraud ■ Substantial sums are still being spent on children’s and adult services and this Raise £80 million in council tax accounts for nearly two-thirds of service expenditure. Bill £85 million in business rates Our City p5 18/3/13 15:53 Page 1

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Our City 5 COUNCIL TAX Milestones show how our city is FROZEN – NEW rapidly changing JOBS PLEDGED for the better IT has been a busy but exciting few TOKE-on-Trent City been frozen for the next financial have a clear and ambitious vision months here at the city council Council has agreed a year – meaning Stoke-on-Trent’s for the city as a whole. We have a since my Christmas update in By City Council balanced budget for residents have the 11th lowest proud industrial heritage and we December. Chief Executive S average council tax bill in the are working with our partners at Alongside the core public 2013/2014, focussing on country. Staffordshire County Council to John protecting services for the Councillor Pervez, city council negotiate a ‘City Deal’ with the services delivered by our dedicated van de most vulnerable and leader, said: “I see the impact government. staff to make an everyday Laarschot supporting jobs and the economic downturn is He added: “It will be a major difference for our communities, we growth across the city having on hard working men and boost for both the city and the have started to implement a Councillors approved the women in this city all the time. county, allowing us to improve number of our longer term budget which will see savings of It is not fair and it is not significantly our key employment pioneering initiatives which will £21m achieved through working sustainable which is why we have sites. have far reaching benefits for the to the rest of the country via a high more efficiently and effectively – decided to freeze council tax for “We will work closely with city and our residents and I would speed link makes us ideally placed but ensure services that protect the next financial year. schools, colleges, universities, like to share just a few of my to support and capitalise on our vulnerable adults and children “It is the right thing to do for councils and the private sector to personal highlights with you. aspirations and plans to become a the many families who are are maintained. better align the skills of our On 4 February, work commenced sustainable core city. continuing to go through workforce with the needs of The savings to its revenue on ‘Station Gateway’,a scheme of As part of our expansive budget are in addition to the extremely difficult times. businesses, resulting in a brighter regeneration plans to reinvent our £56m it already made over the “We are also introducing a future for the local economy.” road improvements starting last two years mainly as a result ‘living wage’ for all city council Helping people to maintain outside Stoke Railway Station on city’s fortunes, our iconic new bus of the cuts to public spending workers to protect employees on their independence is another Station Road, College Road and station opened and welcomed its implemented by central the lowest end of the pay scales. top priority in the budget. . first passengers. government. This will benefit more than The city council will offer By widening footpaths; reducing The new building will provide The budget clearly reflects the 1,170 contracts.” people more adult social care speed limits; installing new state of the art facilities and four key pledges featured in city Economic powerhouse services in their own home to signage; removing speed bumps; includes 22 departure bays, waiting council’s Mandate for Change: support their independence. resurfacing the carriageway and facilities, interactive touch-screen ● Making Stoke-on-Trent the Job creation has been put at The service will be moved creating new cycle routes, the journey planners and passenger place to bring business the heart of the budget, with a from St Michael’s centre into scheme will enhance the station information office. ● Supporting and developing commitment to encourage people’s homes to assist area to make it a more attractive existing businesses inward investment and attract residents with short term Great things happening ● Promoting independence and rehabilitation needs. and welcoming city entrance for new businesses to the city. Finally, it is worth mentioning healthy lives The city council is working The early years’ service is visitors, ease traffic congestion and that the city council was shortlisted ● Making Stoke-on-Trent a closely with Staffordshire being redesigned to allow the city speeds and create a safer, greener great place to live County Council to negotiate a council to meet its obligations to environment for pedestrians. for a national award by the Local The financial plan recognises ‘City Deal’ with the government. extend free nursery care to some Our ground-breaking plan to Government Chronicle. We had the that many families in This will help to put the area two-year-olds from September. drive economic growth and create prestigious honour of being Stoke-on-Trent are facing tough on the map as the country’s The authority will strive to over 31,000 jobs across Stoke-on- shortlisted as one of only six “Most times, with the cost of living economic powerhouse for achieve a positive result for Trent and Staffordshire moved a Improved Councils”. rising and wages stagnating. advanced manufacturing, children’s futures by following a step closer when the Deputy Prime An accolade judged by our That is why council tax has breaking down barriers to series of recommendations put Minister announced that the city peers. A fitting end to the growth. forward by a specialist transformational journey we have VALUE FOR MONEY: Average and county council’s collaborative Councillor Pervez said: “The independent panel. bid for a Wave II City Deal had taken over the past few years and a Council Tax in the city is the budget is not just about savings Savings are also being made great start to 2013. 11th lowest in the country. – it is also about investment to by running the city council in a made the shortlist of potential places. From the few things I have promote economic growth. We more cost effective way. mentioned, I hope you will agree Teams supporting museums, Attract investors that there are lots of great things culture, tourism and events will be merged to make them more By offering councils and their happening around the city of cost effective. partners’ greater freedom, funding which we can all feel proud. The museums service will and powers to attract investors, a However, I am aware that whilst review its charges to boost City Deal for the Stoke-on-Trent our attention has been focussed on income at the Potteries Museum and Staffordshire area would see developing the building blocks on which to create our future there is & Art Gallery and Gladstone the locality become the key the equally important matter of Pottery Museum. European centre for research and Councillor Pervez added: “In engaging with our residents and advanced manufacturing – terms of savings we have tried ensuring that you understand and including ceramics. Attaining a our best to safeguard frontline support the absolute need to services as far as possible and to City Deal would enable us to build transform our city now. protect the most vulnerable in on and accelerate existing work to The challenge, one which we society.We will continue to grow the local economy and create have to address as a council, is to deliver, balanced budgets year vital jobs for local people. try and work with you, our on year.” A decision on our bid is residents, to match your needs Overall the city council may expected later this year and of with the city’s transformation have to save around £125 course, we will keep you informed plans. million in 2011-2016. This of our progress. includes forecasts of £23 million In the meantime, we will Linked to the Deal, is our bid for continue to work collaboratively in 2014/2015 and £20-£25 Stoke-on-Trent to have a parkway million in 2015/2016. with our partners and communities ● See Budget 2013-14: the station sited on the outskirts of the and build on our successes to drive Savings are being facts on page eight. city, on the HS2 line. improvements across all of our “” Our strategic location within the services and ensure that our made by running the heart of the country puts us at the ultimate aim of making made by running the MANAGEMENT CUTS: City centre of a huge marketplace upon Stoke-on-Trent a great working city council has slashed the which businesses could build and is achieved. city council in a more number of senior grow. Remember,“United strength is management from 32 to 16 in With access to an available stronger” and together, we can cost effective way. two years saving £2.3m a year. workforce, improved connectivity accomplish anything. Our City p6-7 18/3/13 16:24 Page 1

6 Our City SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Bold new strategy set out to Public realm improvements City Centre: De-cluttering the City Centre with beautiful, long-lasting, natural materials, designed to maximise “dwell time”. transform Public Realm: Craft Centre: The “space between” The beautiful heritage the buildings has been our city buildings on the former improved de-cluttering Spode Site offer the the city centre with Stoke-on-Trent then... chance to create a new beautiful, long lasting retail, leisure and natural materials. BORN from six towns in 1910 the city of visitor attraction. Stoke-on-Trent transformed itself during the 19th century becoming a powerhouse of the industrial revolution. At its height hundreds of ceramics factories were operating in the area employing thousands from all over the city. Coal mining was also a prominent industry with 20,000 miners across the city in 1947. And making up the last of the great employers Shelton Steel Works supported the WWII industrial effort and as recently as 1978 10,000 were employed in the industry. ... and now... MANY of the old ceramics factories have gone, but 30 remain and are still at the forefront of ceramic production across the UK… but Stoke-on-Trent needs to reinvent itself to turn around its local economy and ensure it can compete once again on a national stage. Enterprise/Office/Hotel/Residential: Advanced manufacturing is making a The Stoke town sites offer opportunities for a range comeback with 6,600 people currently of higher value mixed uses to drive investment and employed. City Deal – a partnership with spend into the heart of Stoke town. Government, Staffordshire County Council and the private sector – will see new opportunities for the city in the next decade with a predicted 31,000 jobs on 22 regeneration sites across the whole county, many of which are here in our city. Spode retail site: ... and in the future... A remarkable BUT it isn’t just manufacturing jobs we opportunity to kick start need. Plans to transform the city centre spine the regeneration of Stoke from Stoke town to the Central Business town through a major retail District illustrated on these pages are all part development as part of a of our strategy to secure a wider range of jobs mixed use new build and in the professional services, retail and leisure restoration project. sectors to benefit local people. As the works to recover from the economic downturn investors are keen to see commitment by councils to improving their local area and that in turn gives them confidence to invest. Station Gateway: The city council’s objective in creating a Environmental vibrant city centre is to bring up to 10,000 improvements and new jobs across the whole of the city – along traffic management with many temporary construction roles – as around the station, well as creating a city centre residents and part of a programme visitors will want to come to. to enhance visitors’ first impression to ... it’s more than just the Central the city. Business District... LOTS of attention has focused on the council’s plans to build new offices. But the city’s transformation is so much more than just that. The map and pictures on these pages show all the steps we are taking to transform the city centre. The two buildings that form the council offices are just a small part of a regeneration plan that covers the area including Stoke town, the Station Gateway, the University Quarter and the city centre. Stoke town Myth-busting: your questions about the city centre answered on page nine. Our City p6-7 18/3/13 16:24 Page 2

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Our City 7

City Centre Bus Station: An iconic building, transforming the skyline, creating a landmark gateway to the city centre, transforming the passenger experience.

City Sentral: Creating a major leisure and retail offer which, along with the Potteries Shopping Centre and independent stores, will improve the city’s appeal.

Central Business District: The new professional office quarter designed to bring new professional businesses and large numbers of high spending workers into the City Centre.

Etruria Road corridor: Significant development opportunities for a range of commercial uses on sites skirting the ring road, representing a City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth major gateway into the Form College: city centre. Opened in 2010 the £33m Sixth Form College building transforms the landscape in the station gateway. State Etruria Valley: of the art facilities for over A key employment site planned 2,000 students. to create 3,000 new jobs and present a dramatically improved northern gateway to the city.

University Science block: Opened October 2012 a landmark £30m high specification facility, part of developing a true university city. Our City p8-9 18/3/13 12:50 Page 1

8 Our City SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Budget 2013-14: the facts STOKE-on-Trent has received the 47th biggest cut in spending power out of all the 353 authorities in England in terms of ‘pounds reduction per dwelling’. From 2010/11 to 2014/15 the city council will have lost £373.50 for each household in the city. Stoke-on-Trent has the 2nd weakest tax base (2nd highest proportion (94 per cent) of properties in bands A, B and C) when compared to the other 92 unitary and metropolitan councils in England. This significantly limits the city council’s potential to raise additional income from Council Tax. At £946.18 per annum, Bernard Stoke-on-Trent has the 11th Sulzberger cheapest average council tax winning the per property out of all the 324 men’s race in billing authorities in England. 2012. The city council will have to deliver circa £100 million savings over the four years 2011/12-2014/15, and potentially a further £20 million – £25 million savings in 2015/16 are predicted. Olympic hero Clancy in city’s Despite this the city council is: ● Supporting Residents... through a freeze in council tax. ● Supporting business and line-up growth... by providing high quality advice and creating OUBLE Olympic since his Olympic success. Britain’s leading women’s cycle involved and supporting the better competitive gold medallist Ed The 1.2 kilometre circuit will race series which is sponsored by event. This is a national event see racers in 10 teams start in the Stoke-on-Trent based fitness which will raise the profile of the conditions for inward Clancy will be investment. D Town Road adjacent to the equipment supplier. city.” ●Maximising the use of our whizzing through Stoke-on- Potteries Shopping Centre’s main In addition to the Tour Series The ten men’s teams taking resources... by introducing Trent’s City Centre when entrance before embarking on a circuit race which is expected to part are: , course which takes in most of city start at 7.30pm, organisers are Metaltek Knights of Old Racing invest to save initiatives and the 2013 Tour Series centre's commercial and retail putting together a packed list of Team, MG – Maxifuel Pro making additional savings returns to the city for the ● areas including Town Road, Old supporting events and Cycling, Node4 – Giordana Taking a tough stance on fifth year running. Hall Street, Cheapside, Piccadilly entertainment to take place in the Racing, Rapha Condor JLT, Spin benefit and tenancy Clancy, who won a second and Stafford Street. City Centre throughout the day. Rotor – Primal – C Originals, fraud... by continuing our consecutive team pursuit gold in Other high-profile cyclists set to Last year 100 schoolchildren Team Hope Factory Racing, national award winning world record time at the London take part include World rode two laps of the professional Team IG Sigma Sport, Team ‘Spot the Cheater’ campaign. Olympics, as well as bronze in the Champion ,Tour de circuit and a Corporate Grand Raleigh and Team UK Youth. ● Supporting our lowest men’s omnium, will line-up France stage winner Magnus Prix involving local businesses The series has new riders from paid workers... with a alongside some of Britain’s top Backstedt, and Olympic medallist racing against each other on the around the world including commitment to pay a living cycling teams for the City Centre and Commonwealth Champion track and organisers are keen to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, wage from 1 April 2013. race on Tuesday, May 21. Ross Edgar. involve both groups again this France, Poland, Ireland and ● Continuing to improve It is the second time the Starting at 6.00pm, the day will year. Sweden and will have a new collection rates... across all Barnsley-born cyclist has taken also see the opening round of the champion in 2013. part in the event in the city and his Johnson Health Tech GP Series Caught the imagination The cycle race income streams. first time back in Stoke-on-Trent staged in the City Centre, Councillor Mark Meredith, and Tour Ride will also be Cabinet Member for Economic returning to Stoke-on-Trent later OUR CITY WILL BE Development, Culture and Sport, in the year. QUARTERLY: As part of the said: “We’re delighted to be Tour Series race director Mick budget cuts the council’s hosting a stage of this exciting Bennett said: “This year marks magazine will now be series for the fifth year running, the fifth season of the Tour Series, so it is fitting that we are once delivered just four times a one of only two venues to have again returning to Stoke-on- year.The publication is done so. “Cycling really caught the Trent, a venue that has been a funded by the city council, imagination of the public last year part of the Series since its Staffordshire Police, with the success in the Tour de inception. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue France and Olympics and it’s “Last year the city was a Service and also some fantastic that people will get to brilliant host for the Grand Final, advertising costs.The city see so many top cyclists and we are looking to having council remains committed to competing on their doorstep. another exciting and action providing information about “We’re committed to promoting packed round for spectators this its services and is constantly healthy lives through Mandate for May.” exploring ways to engage Change and hopefully seeing so Highlights of the Tour Series with you.You can keep up to many top cyclists in the city will will once again be screened on date on stoke.gov.uk or inspire people to take up the ITV4, with the terrestrial home of follow us on Twitter sport. cycling showing all the action “The crowds always turn out in from every round of the Series the @SOTcitycouncil or Action from last numbers on the day and it’s great night after the race, with repeats facebook.com/sotcitycouncil year’s women’s race. to see people of all ages getting the following day. Our City p8-9 18/3/13 16:15 Page 2

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Our City 9 Stoke-on-Trent went through major transformation to emerge as one of the greatest cities of the 19th century – a real industrial powerhouse. But with the decline of its core industries the area has faced an economic downturn and its people have suffered as a result. In a bid to Business transform its fortunes the city council embarked on a bold transformational program to make Stoke-on-Trent a great working city... leaders back big City strategy vital for move plan Stoke City Football Club and Chairman Peter Coates: “Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s move to the CBD is a new jobs and growth courageous step which has the potential to regenerate this ITY Council Leader with new public realm. We are also investing city and make a real impact. Mohammed Pervez is clear The five-storey across the whole city and plan to create more “The CBD will create jobs, why the council is relentlessly council office new jobs in manufacturing advanced materials growth and pride in Stoke-on- C as part of our city deal with Government. pursuing a regeneration strategy building – the design Trent and that is something for aimed at transforming the city. pays tribute to the Why do you say 10,000 jobs will be us all to get behind. created? “This city is transforming He said: “We are creating jobs and work of world famous potter New jobs – many professional – will be under the council’s Mandate opportunities for local people with a bold attracted to the new city centre as a direct strategy to attract investors to our city. Clarice Cliff. for Change, there is an energy result of the transformation of the area. We and excitement about the He added: “Our regeneration strategy is currently have only half the number of about jobs and growth and securing the long- place and it’s what this city professional jobs that a city of our size is deserves.” term future of our whole city. As a city we are expected to have. 13th in size in the country, but our city centre There will also be around 400 construction Kevin Oakes, Chief Executive is ranked 73rd in terms of its retail offer and jobs created during the development of the of Middleport-based 60th in terms of office space. For too long we business district. International:“Given the have focused on small scale development and The council is doing all it can to ensure demands facing the city and lost visitors and leaked spend to Birmingham these roles are local labour and that the need to provide a clear or . contractors provide training, and “We haven’t attracted anything like the kind focus for investment, the city apprenticeships and that where possible they council is taking a very of professional services jobs we need and it is will use local suppliers too. In total 10,000 sensible commercially driven time for action now, not in ten years’ time jobs will be created as a result of our city when it may be too late.” strategy. decision that will be shown to The detailed map and images on pages six benefit the wider economy.” and seven show just how many different Why are you spending the money when you are trying to save £21m? David Beech, Managing projects are under way to transform an area Partner at North from Stoke town to the city centre. encourage further investment from the private The savings we have made relate directly to Staffordshire law firm The debate about the civic centre is set to sector. money the council has to spend on services rumble on, but below some of the most Centre for Cities – a national think tank on not capital projects such as new buildings. Knights: “For our area to come frequently asked questions asked about the regenerating cities – said in a study: “In the The money the council will invest in the together as North Staffordshire new development proposals are answered. current financial climate, large scale private new offices CANNOT be used to fund we need to have a regenerated investment is difficult to come by, meaning services. successful city centre as the Why build new offices for the council? But the council will save money by reducing hub. In terms of comparing this The council isn’t just building new offices for that intervention needs to be publicly led.” We could have rented the buildings, but the number of buildings it has and city to our neighbours, we are its staff but has developed a regeneration introducing efficient ways of working. owning them gives the council a valuable asset strategy that will transform all of our city. This The government’s cuts to council funding the poor relation and people – in the same way that mortgage payers end includes creating a Central Business District means councils need to raise more money so often miss us or simply pass in the city centre of which the council offices up owning their own home. locally if they are to fund services in the by en route.The creation of a will be a small but significant part (see pages What other developments can we expect future. city centre is crucial and the six and seven). to see? If we want to continue to provide quality construction of office By investing in the Central Business District As well as the council part of the Central services we need more businesses rates, more accommodation which is the the council is not only making a statement Business District, the city centre can expect to jobs and more homes. Creating a city centre right size and quality is an that it thinks the city has great potential, it is see more offices, car parking, shops, leisure, where businesses want to come to will help obvious place to start the creating the right kind of conditions to hotels, cinema and city centre housing along generate more business rates. regeneration programme.” What’s going to happen to Stoke Phil Wood, Chairman of the town and the Civic Centre? North Staffordshire Chamber IMPRESSIVE GATEWAY... an artist’s impression The site of the Civic Centre, of Commerce: “One of the showing how the Central Business District will Kingsway car park, Spode, and the transform the area of the City Centre between King’s Hall is currently being major concerns for the Broad Street and the Potteries Way. marketed and 29 expressions of chamber is the development interest have already been lodged of the city centre. demonstrating the potential of the “We support the work redevelopment. Stoke-on-Trent City Council is The city council wants to see a doing in rebuilding the retail vibrant town centre area created that and business districts to links with the overall city centre spine. provide a centre which will Work is already underway to de-risk begin to rival others.” the site for private investors. New student accommodation is currently Stoke-on-Trent and being built close by and work on the Staffordshire Local Station Gateway is under way. Further Enterprise Partnership improvements to Campbell Place are Chairman Ron Dougan: due to begin soon. “Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s How will you pay back the money? plans to relocate their existing The sale of the Stoke sites outlined civic centre offices will bring an above and other land and building estimated 4,000 direct new sales will help fund the development. jobs in the city centre with the Why do costs keep going up? effect of creating a potential Costs have not risen. There are six 400 additional jobs. In addition phases of the Central Business to this there will be 400 District. The council buildings are in construction jobs. phase one. Other capital funds will be “In the current climate this put in place in future to help fund requires strong leadership and infrastructure needed to enable decision making to ensure private sector investment. Stoke-on-Trent is successful ● For more see the Council’s website and prosperous.” at stoke.gov.uk/cbd Our City p10 18/3/13 12:58 Page 1

10 Our City SPRING/SUMMER 2013

Prizewinner Michael Teague, aged 12.

The Spitfire is winched into the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in 1987.

Fundraising dinner raises cash for city’s Spitfire restoration PLANS to restore and preserve “They will always dig in their Stoke-on-Trent’s very own pockets and it makes me very Spitfire received a big boost at a proud to be associated with the fundraising dinner which raised residents of our city because tens of thousands of pounds they show such generosity all towards the campaign. the time.” Lord Mayor Councillor Terry RJ Mitchell’s great nephew Crowe was guest of honour at Julian Mitchell said:“The phased the dinner also attended by restoration of the aircraft will be Stoke City Chairman Peter unique, and undertaken in such Student’s ideas for future Coates and billionaire a way that visitors can see and entrepreneur John Caudwell. appreciate the engineering and The evening at the Britannia craft skills needed to restore this Stadium was organised by incredible aircraft to its near Operation Spitfire, launched by factory – but not airworthy – win hi-tech prize members of the family of the condition. plane’s designer RJ Mitchell and “It is intended to both school student’s amazing place to live and visit.” suggested that each public park other local enthusiasts. celebrate the genius of the imaginative ideas for He said that improving things should have a community sand pit They aim to restore the plane Spitfire’s Chief Designer RJ the future of would instil “a sense of pride” and a paddling pool with water A that would “make more people features installed. in the Potteries Museum & Art Mitchell and the dedication of a Stoke-on-Trent has helped want to live here”. Neema Akhtar of Normacot Gallery, improve its display area diverse Midlands workforce who him scoop a £250 iPod He also suggested the creation called for different races, and even create a unique, produced such prodigious Touch prize in an Our City of more parks with gardens for communities and religions to “put interactive Spitfire cockpit so numbers of aircraft.” children’s competition. elderly people, community link up their differences aside” in a bid to ● visitors can enjoy a “flying To find out more about Twelve-year-old Michael Teague days and additional community reduce racism and improve safety. experience”. Operation Spitfire, read about put pen to paper to answer a clean ups. Stephen Gizzi of Packmoor The Lord Mayor said: “I take the fundraising efforts and see question posed in the last issue of Colourful ideas wants to see a clamp down on my hat off to the generosity of the dinner programme, which the magazine. pollution and 12-year-old Olivia the people of Stoke-on-Trent includes an exclusive video We asked: What is the one thing Michael received his iPod Proudmore of Tunstall would like towards those who are less you can view through your you would like to see which would Touch at a special presentation to see more for teenagers to do fortunate than themselves and smartphone or tablet, visit improve life in Stoke-on-Trent the ceremony in front of the whole including the setting up of youth to raise money for good causes. operationspitfire.org.uk most? school. clubs. The St Peter’s Academy student The hi-tech prize was donated Meanwhile, Owen Cox, who came up with an eye-catching by competition sponsors Kier attends Glebe Primary School, design listing a series of things he Stoke, who provide repairs and requested a skate, scooter and thought would improve city life. home improvements for more bike zone be built at Fenton Park. He suggested Stoke-on-Trent than 19,100 properties and 450 He said: “I could then ride my Fans get their teeth into china “needs to be one big community public buildings in the city. scooter and do what I like doing bringing together age groups, A flood of other entries came in best.” FANGS have really taken off for races, schools, business and local with many colourful ideas. Seven ● What would you do to make Potteries filmmaker Chris Stone authorities”. year-old James Copeland, who Stoke-on-Trent better for the and his award-winning He added: “By working together attends St George’s and St future? Email your ideas to city-based Blood and Bone we can make Stoke-on-Trent an Martin’s Primary School, [email protected] China vampire series. Released to critical acclaim on the internet and with a growing global fan base to feed, Chris Showcase returns to promote best in ceramics then got his teeth into WORK from the UK’s leading contemporary and China. In the City Centre the prestigious re-crafting the 12 episodes into with hundreds of emails asking ceramic artists will go on show when the British Award exhibition will return to The Potteries his first full length feature film. where they could buy the fine Ceramics Biennial returns to Stoke-on-Trent. Museum & Art Gallery and the AirSpace Gallery With showcase premieres china featured in the opening Following on from the success of the last will feature something new and unusual from already staged here and in titles and throughout the film. Biennial in 2011, the festival will again take over local artists’ collaborations. America, the tale of a vet’s He said:“The fans really the China Hall at the Spode Factory site in Stoke There will be lots of free events and activities in struggle with the blood-sucking wanted a piece of it and many town. the build-up to the festival, especially for young underworld of Victorian asked where they could buy the For six weeks between September 28 and people, families and adults, to have a go and join Stoke-on-Trent was released as a cups made at the fictional November 10, the city will host new exhibitions in making their own ceramic creations. limited edition DVD and sold Hemlock Pottery. and special events as part of the festival. The full programme will be announced in May. out. “So I commissioned a limited In addition to the Fresh exhibition showcasing For updates, sign up to free e-newsletters at But horror fans with insatiable run which were made in the city. the best of the current crop of UK ceramics www.britishceramicsbiennial.com or search for appetites staked a claim for They’re being sold online and graduates, there will be a strong international the British Ceramics Biennial on Twitter and even more and inundated Chris we’ve only got a few left.” flavour with work on display from France, Norway Facebook. Our City p11 18/3/13 13:02 Page 1

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Our City 11 Public service can be time consuming and decision-making can be difficult. Here, another five councillors share their thoughts on politics and how their life experiences influence them as they serve the people of their wards and the city...

Pictured at the Civic Centre are, left to right, City Councillors Karen Clarke, Majid Khan, Neil Day, Alan Dutton and Alastair Watson.

Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Karen Clarke Majid Khan Neil Day Alan Alastair Labour Labour Labour Dutton Watson Fenton West and Mount Etruria and Hanley West and Pleasant Newstead Labour Labour Central Joiners Square

As a first time Politics has always been I worked for the city I live in the ward I I like being a councillor councillor I can spend an interest of mine and council for 20 years represent and over the when we are getting half a day on the licensing throughout my life I have been before I left in 2007. I was years it’s gone into decline so things done but I don’t like sub-committee and an entire involved in a lot of voluntary always the one asking I got involved to make a being a councillor when we are “day on the adoption panel. “and charitable work, which “questions about how and “difference. “forced to make cutbacks when I visit the schools in my gives me great pleasure, as why we were doing things I always said I wouldn’t the government budget is ward, help at the food bank helping people is what I enjoy and people said then that I become a councillor unless I reduced. and take a turn in doing teas most. would make a good could do it full time so when Dealing with local issues for and coffee at the Methodist After establishing myself as councillor. I retired in 2011 I decided to local people is the bread and hall. a successful businessman I The real knack is to stand and, thankfully, was butter of being a councillor. It I chair the Fenton decided to take my first steps realise how the decision you elected. is hugely rewarding when you Fellowship of Churches, towards my true passion. make will affect people on Burslem has suffered so I see the effects of your hard have countless meetings to I was first elected in 2010 the ground. wanted to do what I could to work and when communities discuss ward matters and I and re-elected in 2011. I am I work hard to speak up help create jobs and revitalise know you are making a visit homes and facilities now trying my best to forge for my residents and act as the Mother Town. We’ve got difference to the city. across my patch. the bridges between the an advocate for those who about 50 properties back in Not only is the role a I seem to spend hours on residents and local authority can’t attend meetings or use and with the next round chance to make things better the phone and do hundreds to the best of my ability given take part in discussions. of funding coming on myself, it is an opportunity to of emails each week but I the current circumstances and Blurton is a fantastic area stream, things are looking meet the countless individuals always strive to walk around financial stress. Only now do I and there is so much more hopeful. who work to bring positive the ward and to be truly understand the difficulty happening here. In a previous life I was an changes. accessible too. facing this area and the hard I get a lot of satisfaction electrician and had some Whether it’s through There is a lot of demand work that is required. from helping people by success as a singer and then churches, youth groups, on councillors’ time but I Being a councillor is very taking their issues up and running a record label so I’ve residents’ associations or enjoy my role. tough but extremely rewarding speaking to whoever I need been lucky to travel all over charities, it is a privilege to be I spend around 50 hours at the same time. I really enjoy to in order to get things the world and I bring those part of a community that each week on council work my role and with support from sorted. experiences to what I do. won’t settle for second best. and I am often out until residents hope to continue my You couldn’t invent a job I’ve seen some interesting I hope to see stronger 9pm but if it means our city work for a long time towards where you come across so places and it makes you communities to help keep prospers then I believe it is building a brighter and better many characters and make realise that the city isn’t half Stoke-on-Trent moving in the time well spent. ” Stoke-on-Trent.” so many friendships.” as bad as people think. ” right direction. ” Our City p12 18/3/13 13:15 Page 1

12 Our City SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Fraudsters face action in court

THE city council has made it clear that residents suspected of fraud will be investigated and prosecuted where appropriate. Here are just a few examples of successful court actions to punish the fraudsters: ● One benefits fraudster was jailed for 16 months having been found guilty of pocketing £100,000 in a nine year benefit swindle. ● Councillor A woman from the city Paul Shotton, was prosecuted for falsely Cabinet Member for claiming £15,000 in Finance, Procurement benefits she was not and Commissioning with entitled to. She received a some of the material to 12 month community order promote the Spot the and 12 month supervision Cheater campaign. order. ● And in a housing tenancy fraud case a claimant was found guilty of not living in her council property which resulted in a £17,000 benefit overpayment. Campaign to Spot the Cheater The claimant was prosecuted under the Fraud Act 2006 and fined £200 and asked to pay costs of £360. hailed as ‘excellent stuff’ council campaign to crack successful Spot the Cheater has been in down on fraudsters is being Stoke-on-Trent as well as the recognition it Apraised by local authorities has received nationally. “We wanted to make the campaign across the UK. memorable but it will go beyond that if it is Spot the Cheater was launched as a adopted across the UK. We look forward to 12-month project in May last year to seeing the developments.” increase awareness of different types of Spot the Cheater focuses on housing fraud and the council’s ‘get tough’ tenancy and benefit fraud, council tax approach. evaders and people who misuse the blue Marketing materials carrying the badge scheme for people with mobility distinctive image of a cheetah helped to problems. Every year, thousands of pounds of your money is return an 18 per cent increase in the Figures show the number of reports of stolen by cheaters, money that should be used to number of reports received by the council possible fraud jumped from 1,219 between in the first few months. April and December 2011 to 1,438 in the improve your local community. Three London boroughs adopted the same months in 2012. campaign for their fraud awareness in Over the same time period, the number November and Stoke-on-Trent City of allegations of Council Tax and blue Council won the Fraud Awareness Award badge fraud rose from none to 41 and 14 at the Fighting Fraud Awards in London respectively. the following month. Baroness Hanham, the Parliamentary The National Fraud Authority is now Under Secretary of State at the Department recommending the campaign to all for Communities and Local Government, councils in the UK. commended Spot the Cheater during her Corporate Fraud Manager Paul Bicknell keynote speech to the National Anti Fraud said: “We’re very pleased with how Network conference in February. What other local authorities have said: SPOT THE CHEATER - DON’T LET THEM GET AWAY The Spot the Cheater Tri-borough used a design to pilot a “”publicity is very simple, “”National Fraud Authority anti fraud effective and eye catching. campaign and tool kit, successfully It is also really good to see rolling out the Spot the Cheater a Midlands council, in message across all three councils of Call us on or report fraud 01782 236800 Stoke, leading the way in Westminster, the Royal Borough of on line at stoke.gov.uk/reportfraud tackling tenancy fraud. Kensington and Chelsea and Excellent stuff. Hammersmith and Fulham.

Michael Hopkins – Investigation Andy Hyatt – Head of Investigation, stoke.gov.uk/reportfraud Manager, Lichfield District Council. the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Our City p13 18/3/13 13:19 Page 1

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Our City 13

The man elected to lead the fight against crime in Staffordshire – Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis – writes about his priorities and his pledge to Council Tax payers...

Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis.

Working together to make county’s communities safer Flowermakers Rita Ford, left, and MY ambition for Staffordshire is first time local people will have a Jeanette Seabridge a modern, technologically voice directly to an elected use traditional skills advanced police force with individual with a powerful to put together parts traditional values. It’s about a influence over services. of the stunning criminal justice system which Will it mean a crime free, display. works better for victims and Utopian Staffordshire with ensuring organisations which police officers on every corner? make communities safer across No, I wish I could promise that, Staffordshire are working more but I can’t! effectively together. I do promise investment in It means all those services mobile technology so officers being focused on achieving a have more information on the common goal which local move and less need to return to City skills blossom for people support and it’s about base meaning more visible doing it all during a time when policing. Improving systems for budgets are shrinking. statement handling and The common goal is reducing processes all means more crime and fear of it. It’s dealing frontline policing. global display with antisocial behaviour and My promise the causes quickly and it’s RADITIONAL skills including local businesses and “Showcasing Stoke-on-Trent at policing more visibly so Work underway to reduce the relating to Stoke-on- organisations. Artists are working one of the best events in the communities feel reassured. bureaucratic burden which T Trent’s unique with the British Ceramics world is an exciting and fantastic It’s also tackling drugs at all keeps police off our streets is Biennial Ltd, schoolchildren, opportunity and one that builds levels, from ‘pushers’ who sell also ongoing and we are heritage will be on display students into the council’s Mandate for at the world’s most famous them to those at the top who reviewing how to reduce and community groups to make Change by showing the city is make the big money while unproductive target chasing too. flower show. ceramic flowers similar to those very much open for business. I’m sticking to my promise The city council’s landscape once produced across the city. “Our traditional skills will be wrecking lives. And alcohol, team has designed a garden They will be used across the shown in a contemporary way to when abused, leads to the most that Council Tax payers should featuring a bottle kiln and garden in a modern style to show Stoke-on-Trent’s journey damaging social issues costing be the last port of call, not the ceramic flowers for the RHS complement a special seating area from an industrial past to a individuals, businesses and first, by freezing what residents Chelsea Flower Show in May. produced with help from modern city and we have had public services a fortune. pay towards policing at last The garden, called Moorcroft, Johnson Tiles and some fantastic support from our But as well as very local year’s level. Transformation, is being created metalwork by PCT Engineering. partners to help our designs really policing, Staffordshire must play This is a sense of what you can with the support of 28 partners Landscape Development Team come alive.” its part in dealing with serious expect with an ambitious Crime Manager Annita Gibson said: The Stoke-on-Trent Garden organised crime which crosses Reduction Plan being developed Partnership has one of 15 show borders but often devastates for public consultation this gardens at the event, which is local communities.We must also summer. celebrating its centenary this Look out for the local events year. ensure enough resources to in Staffordshire soon and I’d It is the first time the city support national agencies in has entered the show, but combating terrorism. welcome ideas, thoughts and it has previously won RHS The role of Police and Crime comments on how we might Tatton Park Flower Show Commissioner is the first time a make our communities safer Local Authority Flower single Office-holder at local level together. Bed Competition gold can influence all the parts of a ● You can medals in consecutive years sector which exists to make contact me in and three Best in Show Awards. Staffordshire safer. It provides the following ● WIN: We have five pairs of opportunities to improve the ways. Either by tickets to the Chelsea Garden complex and often fragmented Show to give away. To win telephone on simply send in your name ‘system’ by making sure it’s 01785 232385 and address and a sentence effective and more joined up. emailing me on saying why you want to go Across Staffordshire it will [email protected] to the show. Send your mean more visible policing and through Twitter: @staffspcc An artist’s entry to FREEPOST Our a focus on preventing crime or by visting the website: impression of how City by 30 April, 2013 before it happens. And for the staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk the garden will look. Our City p14 18/3/13 16:14 Page 1

14 Our City SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Helping families beat ‘silent killer’ TWO hundred vulnerable people and groups accounting for 31 per cent and families in Stoke-on-Trent were given 25 per cent respectively of hospital free carbon monoxide alarms in a city admissions. council safety drive. Councillor Janine Bridges, Cabinet Carbon monoxide poisoning causes Member for Housing, Neighbourhoods 50 accidental deaths, 200 non-fatal and Community Safety, said:“This poisonings that require hospital campaign aims to drastically reduce the admission and 4,000 visits to accident number of people suffering from and emergency departments every carbon monoxide poisoning by raising year in England and Wales. It poses a awareness of the dangers and advising particular threat to children under 14 people what to do if they develop and adults over 65, with these age symptoms.”

Site Foreman Liam Fitzpatrick starting works in front of the city’s main railway station. Streetworks improve city gateway ORK is well information signs will be is being installed near the underway on installed. station entrance. a £695,000 Road humps are being Councillor Ruth W replaced with other traffic Rosenau, Cabinet Member highways scheme management measures for Regeneration, Planning designed to make the along College Road from and Transportation, said: railway station its junction with Station “This is part of our gateway to the city Road to Avenue Road to Mandate for Change more welcoming. keep traffic to the 20mph agenda which is making As the city’s new bus speed limit. Stoke-on-Trent a great station opens, the The section between place to live. improvements around Station Road and Cauldon “This is an exciting and Station Road and College Road is being narrowed important project and I Road will also improve the while a new raised section look forward to seeing the connection between the between the two existing area transformed and main railway station and zebra crossings will make it improved as it will provide the City Centre. safer for pedestrians. benefits for everyone using The work supports A new mini roundabout this area.” £14million worth of is being installed at the The work, which began improvements being carried Queen Ann Street junction at the start of February, is out by Staffordshire to slow southbound traffic. due to be completed by the University to its campus, The carriageway on College beginning of April. including land off College Road will be resurfaced to ● The gateway project is Road. make bus journeys part of the University Under the gateway smoother. Quarter (UNiQ) scheme contractors are Loading and short stay regeneration initiative widening the footpath at parking bays are being which has delivered the station entrance in created to provide better £110million of Shelton to create an parking for shops in improvements in the station extended forecourt and cut College Road. New trees area over the last three traffic speeds. New will be planted and a bench years. Our City p15 18/3/13 13:31 Page 1

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Our City 15 Last of 18 schemes underway in £270 million improvements for secondary schools

Left,Yusuf Coban, 16, and Daniel Gyollai, 15, right in one of the school’s hi-tech computer suites. Above, 15 year old Connor Barratt using a fingerprint identity scanner. 21st century schools mean city Year 11 look to break all exam records targets better results OSSMA Headteacher Mark Stanyer said: “I’m ORK is now underway on delighted to see how far the last of 18 projects our building has come. Wtransforming education in “This is a very exciting Stoke-on-Trent under the £270 time for our Academy with million Building Schools for the our Year 11 on track for Future (BSF) initiative. record-breaking GCSE examination results and of As construction started this month (March) on the futuristic Abbey Hill School and course our state-of-the-art Performing Arts College, thoughts are already new building. turning to the impact the iconic secondary “The facilities and layout school buildings across the city will have on of the building will enable young people’s achievement. us to continue to provide a BSF aims to provide facilities which inspire first class educational young people to gain the skills and experience for our young qualifications they need to take advantage of people. job opportunities arising from the city’s “We are also really regeneration. looking forward to As well as improving learning opportunities, welcoming the community the huge programme has also boosted the to the Academy to share local economy, providing jobs and business for the city supply chain. our new facilities.” It has also seen almost 50 apprentices learning trades in different areas including 16-year-old twins Craig and Marcus Smith business administration, plumbing, joinery, who have played international badminton for electrical, and carpentry. England in St Joseph’s new sports facilities. National quality The latest buildings to open their doors to also provides an extension to the school’s have on inspiring young people to do staff and students include the showcase music facilities with enhanced acoustics. better and achieve more at school. Ormiston Sir Academy Project Director Tracy Penrose-Gould said: He said: “The new buildings (OSSMA), which has literally changed the “The idea of BSF was to build iconic are welcoming, comfortable Blurton landscape. buildings which would create a feeling of hope and well-equipped. They It’s a 21st century facility, where students and pride in our communities. provide a place where use fingerprint recognition to move around, “They replaced often outdated schools with students want to be and where the music room has Apple Mac state-of-the-art, well-equipped learning want to learn. computers for every student and where facilities. “But it’s not just about learning happens in light, bright, colourful “I have heard that some students who see the buildings... the staff spaces. the new buildings have said they are ‘too posh’ working in them also OSSMA is built around a central street-style for people in Stoke-on-Trent. have a vital role to play. arcade and has hi-tech facilities, a modern “Our message is that these are facilities our “The city council is sports hall and upgraded pitches with links to young people deserve – it’s OK for them to working through its the Stoke City Academy. study in a place packed with the latest early years strategy and Meanwhile, the new sports hall at St equipment, with great sports facilities, light through primary and Joseph’s College in has been and airy public areas and lots of space for junior education to make handed over. them to learn, enjoy and relax.” sure children are The iconic frontage As well as providing national quality Cabinet Member for Education Councillor school-ready, and will of the Ormiston badminton facilities, improved grass pitches Alan Dutton said all eyes were now on the take advantage of these Sir Stanley Matthews and a new multi-use games area, the centre impact the new buildings and facilities would amazing new facilities.” Academy (OSSMA). Our City p16-17 18/3/13 13:33 Page 1 PULL OUT GUIDE TO CHILDREN’S CENTRES ACTIVITIES CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE NORTH OF THE CITY Families welcome to CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE SOUTH OF THE CITY 01782 01782 01782 238989 take part in packed 01782 231096 231815 596421 Ball Green Primary School,Whitfield Road,Ball Green ST6 8AJ ,Hamil Road,Burslem,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 1AW Pinewood Crescent,Meir,Stoke-on-Trent ST3 6HZ activity programme Oakwood Road,Blurton,Stoke-on-Trent ST3 3AR MONDAY OTHER SERVICES MONDAY OTHER SERVICES MONDAY FRIDAY MONDAY THURSDAY EVERY family in Stoke-on-Trent can ● specialist support for children ■ Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30–11am Saturdads (First Saturday of every Maths Course and Crèche # Saturdads (First Saturday of every Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-4pm Family Support Drop-In (Newstead Jo Jingles (£2 per family) 10-10:45am Child Health Clinic 9-11am month,location varies) # 9:30-11:30am month,location varies) # make the most of a great range of with additional needs ■ Parent Forum 9:45-11:30am (Weston Heights Community Centre) Jo Jingles 11:15-Noon Primary School,term time only) 9-10am ■ FRIDAY Stay and Play Drop-In 1-2:30pm Early Intervention Outreach # services and facilities at the city’s ● outreach workers (Runs every fortnightly.Limited crèche) Zumba/Keep Fit 9:45-11:30am Early Intervention Outreach # (1-5yrs,£2 per family,term time only) Growing Together** 9:30-11am Little Sprouts Sensory Stay and Play Play and Learning Outreach # children’s centres. ● information for parents Baby Jabadao Drop-In 1-2:30pm Play and Learning Outreach # TUESDAY Growing Together**(0-5yrs)1-2:30pm (0-5yrs) FRIDAY 1:30-3pm Volunteering Program (Please speak Volunteering Program # The teams reach out into their ● activities to help ■ (0-First Steps) English Course and Crèche # Family Support Drop-In 2-3pm Play Together (Newstead Primary Growing Together ** 1-2:30pm to our Community and Economic (Please speak to our Community and local communities to support parents and carers 9:30-11:30am Economic Development officer Janice (Blurton Primary School,term time only) School,term time only) 1:30-3pm TUESDAY (0-5yrs.PICL) Development officer Melissa Worth) # Growing Together * 1-2:30pm families and give children the very back to work. Child Health Clinic 9:15-11:30am Numeracy * 9:30-11:30am Holmes) OTHER SERVICES Toy Library # Toy Library # best start in life. Each children’s centre TUESDAY Play Together 9:15-11am Teenage Pregnancy 12:30-2:30pm Mobile Toy Library # WEDNESDAY ■ Family Kitchen Mobile Toy Library # Anyone is welcome to pop into also delivers additional SPRING Play Together Group 9:30-11am (0-5yrs.Weston Coyney Infant School. Drop-In Baby Massage Drop-In 9:30-10:30am Indoor and Outdoor Playspace Please book via 596848) their local centre and take part in services tailored to meet local Start Up Literacy 12:30-2:30pm OTHER SERVICES Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am (Open Monday to Friday) 9-4:45pm Play Together Drop-In 9:30-11:30am one of the activities featured in this needs. ACTIVITIES Crèche Training,Volunteering,Respite WEDNESDAY Crèche (Available for parents THURSDAY pull out and keep guide. There are even opportunities ■ WEDNESDAY Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri 9-11:30am For the latest news Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 9:30-11am undertaking Parent Forum,Volunteering, Tiny Explorers Baby Group 9:30-11am Children’s centres provide a range to volunteer and learn new skills Growing Together ** 1-2:30pm Thur 12:30-3pm Training and Respite) ▲ (0-18mths or confident walkers) of services including: that could lead to qualifications, a about Easter events, Baby Clinic 1:30-3:30pm (0-5yrs.PICL) Midwife Clinic (Tue,Wed,Thur)9-1pm Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30am ● (Blurton Health Centre) Mon 9:30-11:30am childcare and children's learning job or career change. pop into your local Wed 12:30-2:30pm Literacy * 9:30-11:30am Dads Saturday 10-Noon Adult Learning and Crèche # Start Up Numeracy 12:30-2:30pm (First Saturday of each month) 12:45-2:45pm and development Contact details are included with Children’s Centre. Thur 9:30-11:30am ● Parent Forum (Fortnightly) 1-2:30pm Baby Massage * health services each centre’s calendar. Alternatively, Baby Massage* (one-to-one sessions) FRIDAY ● Volunteering Programme (Please family support follow your centre on Facebook. THURSDAY Volunteering Programme Lets Get Creative Stay and Play speak to The Community and Economic Employment Workshop 11-Noon Training Programme Development Officer Caz Gotham) (Messy play,please bring a change of ■ clothing) 9:30-11am (1-2-1 sessions) Sensory Room (Mon-Fri) 9-4:45pm FREE Home Safety Advice and Parent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm Baby Clinic Drop-In 11-Noon Equipment (Speak to the Outreach (First Friday of every month) CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE CENTRE OF THE CITY Baby Massage ■ 1:15-2:30pm Team)

01782 01782 01782 01782 01782 01782 236333 231096 01782 238352 237650 233775 234024 232977 Greatbatch Avenue,,Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7JU Eaves Lane,Bucknall,Stoke-on-Trent ST2 9AS Travers Court,Temple Street,Fenton,Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4NR Normacot Grange Road,Meir,Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7AW Jubilee Road, Trentham ST4 8EF MONDAY FRIDAY St Nicholas Avenue,Norton,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 8JW MONDAY FRIDAY MONDAY FRIDAY MONDAY FRIDAY Bishop Road,Chell Heath,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6QW Play Together Drop-In(0-5yrs) 9:30-11am Play Together Drop-In 9:30-10:45am MONDAY FRIDAY MONDAY OTHER SERVICES Growing Together * 10-11:30am Breastfeeding Café 10:30-Noon ■ Toast and Toys 9-11am Fenton Families First 9:30-11:30am Play Together Drop-In 9:15-11:15am Baby Jabadao Drop-In 9:30-11am Baby Jabadao 12:30-2pm Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11am MONDAY OTHER SERVICES Baby Massage 10:30-Noon (0-5yrs,Stoke Library,term time only) English Course and Crèche # 1-3pm Saturdads (First Saturday of every Time 4 You Wellness* 12:30-2:30pm Play Together 10:15-11:30am Tiny Talkers * 1:30-2:30pm Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am (26 April,10 May) (0-5yrs) (0-First steps) (Family Support available for advice and Parent Forum Meeting 9:30-11:30am Rumble Tummies Café (Mon-Fri,open (Carmountside Primary School) Parents Forum (15 April) 1-2:30pm TUESDAY month,location varies) # TUESDAY (18mths+.Stoke Library,term time only) Fenton Book Buddies 11:30-12:30pm Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm Outreach Drop-In 9-10am Growing Together ** 1-2:30pm support) TUESDAY Early Intervention Outreach # (Last Monday of every month) to the public) 10:30am-1:30pm Growing Together * 1:15-2:30pm Not Just Mums (23 April) 1-2:30pm Growing Together** 9:30-11am Baby Weighing Clinic 9-10:30am (25 March,29 April,20 May,24 June) (Grange Nursery School.Term time only) (0-5yrs.PICL) Foster Carers’Group Noon-3pm Sweet Peas Baby Group 9:30-11am Play and Learning Outreach # Adult Learning and Crèche # 1-3pm Saturdads (First Saturday of every () TUESDAY OTHER SERVICES Walking Group 1-2:30pm OTHER SERVICES (Family Support available for advice and Midwife Clinic 9-12:30pm (12 April) (0-18mths) Volunteering Program # (Please speak month,location varies) # Transition Crèche * 9:30-11am Toy Library Growing Together* (0-5yrs) 1-2:30pm Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am support) TUESDAY Chill and Chat (No crèche) 1-2:30pm OTHER SERVICES TUESDAY OTHER SERVICES Young Parents Group 10-Noon to our Community and Economic Early Intervention Outreach # (Venue to be confirmed,term time only) Sensory Room (By request) (15 April,3,17 May) ▲ OTHER SERVICES ▲ Messy Monkeys Baby Group (0-18mths Toy Library (By request) ▲ Midwife Clinic 9:30-1pm Dads Saturday 10-Noon Midwife Antenatal 9:30-4pm Development officer Melissa Worth) Volunteering Group 9:30-11:30am ■ Midwife Clinic TUESDAY Play and Learning Outreach # Breastfeeding Café Drop-In 10:30-Noon Toy and Book Library WEDNESDAY Outdoor Play Area Adult Learning and Crèche # 1-3pm Toy Library # or confident walkers) 9-10:30am Volunteering Program # (Please speak and Crèche (Weeks parent forum not on) Sensory Room Speech and Language Support▲ Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11:30am Community Garden Parent Forum 10:30-11:30am (First Saturday of each month at The Growing Together * 1:15-2:45pm Crèche for Training and Parent Forum Volunteering Programme Mobile Toy Library # Health Visitor Drop-In 9-10:30am to our Community and Economic Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am Speech and Language Support* (PICL,0-5yrs,term time only) Play and Learning in the Home* Busybodies 1-1:45pm Play and Learning Home Visits (Every fortnight.Limited crèche) Crescent Children’s Centre) WEDNESDAY ■ 9:30-11am English Course and Crèche # Development officer Nanette Hulse) (16 April,7 May) Play and Learning Home Visiting (£2 per family.26 March) Sensory Room Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am WEDNESDAY Family Support in the Home* Parent Forum (Fortnightly) 9:30-11am 12:45-2:45pm Toy Library # Baby Massage* 1:30-2:30pm Kingsland Kindergarten (Day Care) Baby Massage * 1:30-3pm Volunteering Programme WEDNESDAY Portage Play * 9:30-11:30am Volunteering Programme Pandas Group (0-5yrs) 12-2:30pm THURSDAY WEDNESDAY Mobile Toy Library # WEDNESDAY Job Centre (every Thursday) Growing Together ** 9:30-11am (17 April.Call 235489 for details) WEDNESDAY Family Support Drop-In 2:30-3:30pm Jumping Beans (Milton Uth Centre. Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am Play Together (PICL) 10-11:30am Volunteering Programme (0-5yrs.PICL) Parent Training 9:30-11:30am Breastfeeding Café 9:30-11:30am (Priory Primary School,term time only) Music and movement) 9:15-10:45am (Call for details) Outreach Drop-In 9:30-Noon THURSDAY Time to Talk * 1:30-2:30pm Various Training Courses (6wk courses. Childminders Stay and Play Drop-In (Communication and language group) Triple P* 1-3pm Maths Course and Crèche # Limited Crèche places) 12:45-2:45pm THURSDAY THURSDAY (Childminders only) 9:30-11:30am ▲ THURSDAY THURSDAY Teenage Pregnancy Group * ■ Midwife Clinic 9-2:30pm Growing Together * 1-2:30pm 9:30-11:30am ■ Jo Jingles (£2 per family)10-10:45am Midwife Clinic All Day Health Visitor/Baby Weighing Clinic 12:30-2:30pm Breastfeeding Café 10:30-Noon FRIDAY FRIDAY Drop-In 9:30-11am Outreach Drop-In 9:30-Noon Ready Steady Learn * 9:30-11:30am THURSDAY Growing Together 1:30-3pm Maths Course and Crèche # Growing Together * 9:30-11am Play Together Drop-In 10-11:30am Baby Weighing 1:30-3:30pm (28 March,4 April.) 9:30-11:30am Walking Group # 1-2:30pm (Abbey Hulton Clinic) (Term time,0-5yrs,St John’s,Trent Vale) Play Together (0-5yrs) 12:30-2:30pm Parent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm (All the family can take part in walks Family LInks * 9:30-11:30am Outreach Play Together 9:15-11am Let’s Get Started 1:30-3pm Easter Bonnet Parade 10-11:30am (Clarice Cliffe Primary School.Term time) (Third Friday of every month) around the locality) (4 April) (Starts 25 April.The Nurturing Programme) (Starting 11 April.)

01782 01782 01782 01782 237500 01782 234357 237100 233670 236655 Garth Street,Hanley,Stoke-on-Trent ST1 2DA College Road,Shelton, Dawlish Drive,,Stoke-on-Trent ST2 0HW Buccleuch Road,Normacot, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 4RF MONDAY THURSDAY Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DQ MONDAY OTHER SERVICES MONDAY FRIDAY Woodland Street,Tunstall,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6AP Play Together (18mths-5yrs) Ready,Steady,Go* 9:30-11:30am MONDAY THURSDAY Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm Crèche (Mon,Wed,Thur) 9:30-11:30am Play Together 9:30-11:30am Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am MONDAY FRIDAY (Younger siblings welcome) 9:30-11am (Transition crèche to NEG/School) ■ Outreach Play Together 1:30-3pm Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-3:30pm (19 April) ESOL (Term time only) 9:30-11:30am Parent Forum Drop-In 9:30-11:30am ▲ Maths Course and Crèche # Busy Babies Baby Group 9:30-11am Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30am Hands from Around the World (Gladstone Primary School.Term time) (Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri) TUESDAY Baby Massage 10-Noon Ready Steady Learn* 1-3pm Health Visitor and Baby Weighing Clinic Post Natal/New Baby 10-11am 12:45-2:45pm (0-18mths or confident walkers) Play and Learning in the Home* All Day 10:30-Noon (Transition based group) Drop-In 1:30-2:45pm Playspace 9-3pm 1-2:30pm TUESDAY (Mums and Babies up to 9mths) ▲ TUESDAY Health Visitors Drop-In Playgroup 1-2:45pm Incredible Years 12:30-2:30pm Earth Day Recyling Modelling (Mon,Tue,Thur,Fri.Open to the public) Growing Together 1-2:30pm 9:30-11:30am FRIDAY Growing Together * 9:30-11am (Etruscan Primary School) (Contact Connect,CAMHs and First Steps (22 April) 1-2:30pm Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am Café 10-Noon Busybodies 11:15-Noon FUNraisers constituted 9:30-11:30am Parent Forum Meeting 1-2:30pm Baby Massage 11:30-12:30pm Family Links * 12:30-2:30pm for more information) Ready Steady Learn* 9:30-11:30am Growing Together** 9:30-11am (Mon,Tue,Thur.Refreshments only) (£2 per session.Term time only) Group (26 April) (Every second Friday of the month) TUESDAY Play Together 1-2:30pm Drop-In FRIDAY Start-Up Courses available Asian Ladies Advice Group Drop-In Jumping Beans■ 1:30-2:30pm OTHER SERVICES TUESDAY Family Links* 9:30-11:30am WEDNESDAY (9,23 April) 11:30-1:30pm OTHER SERVICES ■ Safety Visit Drop-In 9-10am OTHER SERVICES (Term time only) ▲ (Music and movement) Stay and Play 9:30-11am Connect Group ^ 9:30-11:30am Home Play Sessions* 9:30-Noon Parent’s Forum 9:45-11am Baby Clinic 4:30-6pm Soft Play Area (Mon-Fri) 8:30-5pm ■ Triple P* 9:30-11:30am Speech and Language Support* Community Garden WEDNESDAY (Mon,Thur) Baby Massage 9:30-11am Growing Together* 1-2:30pm (27 Mar,24 April,8,22 May)) (First Tue of every month) ESOL Nibbles and Giggles Café (Mon-Fri, (Limited crèche available) (PICL.0-2yrs) Play and Learning in the Home* ■ Volunteering Programme Tue,Thur, Fri 9:30-11:30am Adult Learning and Crèche # Health Visitor Drop-In Baby Massage (0-12mths) 1-2:30pm open to the public) 10:30am-1:30pm Tiny Talkers* 1:30-2:30pm Family Support in the Home* WEDNESDAY 9:30-11:30am Hanley Health Centre 9:30-11:30am Start Up – SMILE 10-12pm Tue, Fri Noon-2pm Saturdads (First Saturday of every WEDNESDAY Volunteering Programme ▲ ▲ Mum 2 Mum Breastfeeding Café Shelton Primary Care Centre (0-1yrs) Play and Learning in the Home *1-4pm (SMILE Training and Employment Drop-In) Speech and Language Therapy 9-5pm Midwife Clinic (Mon-Fri) month,location varies) # Little Stars* 9:30-11:30am ▲ Drop-In 9:30-11:30am 1:30-3:30pm Development Checks 9:30-1pm Crèche for Training,Volunteering Early Intervention Outreach # OTHER SERVICES (Additional needs group) Young Parents New Baby Stay and Play and Learning in the Home *1-4pm THURSDAY Play Together 1-2:30pm and Respite Play and Learning Outreach # Saturday Story Time 11-Noon Ramble in the Bramble 10-11:30am ■ Play (Designed for young parents with Fitness Group (Term time) 10-11am Mon 12:30-3pm Volunteering Program # (Please speak Growing Together* (0-1yrs) 1-2:30pm (City Central Library) (Meet at All Saints Church.Bear Hunt on babies 0-18mths) 1:30-3pm THURSDAY Tue-Fri 9-11:30am to our Community and Economic 3 April) Growing Together** 1-2:30pm WEDNESDAY Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am Breastfeeding Cafe 10:30-Noon Play and Learning Home Visits THURSDAY Development officer Alison Shelly) ■ Play Together Drop-In 1-2:30pm ESOL 9:30-11:30am (26 March) FRIDAY Young Parents Group 10-Noon Toy Library # ■ (PICL.0-5yrs.Held at TBCC) Asian Ladies Advice Group Drop-In (Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri) ▲ (Limited crèche.Term time) Half Term Activities Midwife Antenatal 9:30am-4pm Mobile Toy Library # Eater Fun in 10-4pm Moss Green Growing Together** (4,18 April) 11:30-1:30pm Volunteering Programme English Course and Crèche # Play Together (0-18mths) 1:30-3pm Volunteering Programme (3 April) (Riverside Housing Office) 9:30-11am Baby Clinic 1-2:45pm Early Intervention Team 12:45-2:45pm Growing Together* 1-2:30pm Play Together 12:30-2pm Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm Training and Employment Support

■ Book at Reception ▲ Appointments Only. * Referral Only. # Ask at reception. ■ Book at Reception ▲ Appointments Only. ^ Limited crèche available. * Referral Only. PICL – Parents Involved in Children’s Learning. * Referral Only. ** Bookable places with Play and Learning Team. ■ Book at Reception. ▲ Appointments Only. Our City p16-17 18/3/13 13:33 Page 1 PULL OUT GUIDE TO CHILDREN’S CENTRES ACTIVITIES CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE NORTH OF THE CITY Families welcome to CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE SOUTH OF THE CITY 01782 01782 01782 238989 take part in packed 01782 231096 231815 596421 Ball Green Primary School,Whitfield Road,Ball Green ST6 8AJ Vale Park,Hamil Road,Burslem,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 1AW Pinewood Crescent,Meir,Stoke-on-Trent ST3 6HZ activity programme Oakwood Road,Blurton,Stoke-on-Trent ST3 3AR MONDAY OTHER SERVICES MONDAY OTHER SERVICES MONDAY FRIDAY MONDAY THURSDAY EVERY family in Stoke-on-Trent can ● specialist support for children ■ Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30–11am Saturdads (First Saturday of every Maths Course and Crèche # Saturdads (First Saturday of every Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-4pm Family Support Drop-In (Newstead Jo Jingles (£2 per family) 10-10:45am Child Health Clinic 9-11am month,location varies) # 9:30-11:30am month,location varies) # make the most of a great range of with additional needs ■ Parent Forum 9:45-11:30am (Weston Heights Community Centre) Jo Jingles 11:15-Noon Primary School,term time only) 9-10am ■ FRIDAY Stay and Play Drop-In 1-2:30pm Early Intervention Outreach # services and facilities at the city’s ● outreach workers (Runs every fortnightly.Limited crèche) Zumba/Keep Fit 9:45-11:30am Early Intervention Outreach # (1-5yrs,£2 per family,term time only) Growing Together** 9:30-11am Little Sprouts Sensory Stay and Play Play and Learning Outreach # children’s centres. ● information for parents Baby Jabadao Drop-In 1-2:30pm Play and Learning Outreach # TUESDAY Growing Together**(0-5yrs)1-2:30pm (0-5yrs) FRIDAY 1:30-3pm Volunteering Program (Please speak Volunteering Program # The teams reach out into their ● activities to help ■ (0-First Steps) English Course and Crèche # Family Support Drop-In 2-3pm Play Together (Newstead Primary Growing Together ** 1-2:30pm to our Community and Economic (Please speak to our Community and local communities to support parents and carers 9:30-11:30am Economic Development officer Janice (Blurton Primary School,term time only) School,term time only) 1:30-3pm TUESDAY (0-5yrs.PICL) Development officer Melissa Worth) # Growing Together * 1-2:30pm families and give children the very back to work. Child Health Clinic 9:15-11:30am Numeracy * 9:30-11:30am Holmes) OTHER SERVICES Toy Library # Toy Library # best start in life. Each children’s centre TUESDAY Play Together 9:15-11am Teenage Pregnancy 12:30-2:30pm Mobile Toy Library # WEDNESDAY ■ Family Kitchen Mobile Toy Library # Anyone is welcome to pop into also delivers additional SPRING Play Together Group 9:30-11am (0-5yrs.Weston Coyney Infant School. Drop-In Baby Massage Drop-In 9:30-10:30am Indoor and Outdoor Playspace Please book via 596848) their local centre and take part in services tailored to meet local Start Up Literacy 12:30-2:30pm OTHER SERVICES Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am (Open Monday to Friday) 9-4:45pm Play Together Drop-In 9:30-11:30am one of the activities featured in this needs. ACTIVITIES Crèche Training,Volunteering,Respite WEDNESDAY Crèche (Available for parents THURSDAY pull out and keep guide. There are even opportunities ■ WEDNESDAY Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri 9-11:30am For the latest news Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 9:30-11am undertaking Parent Forum,Volunteering, Tiny Explorers Baby Group 9:30-11am Children’s centres provide a range to volunteer and learn new skills Growing Together ** 1-2:30pm Thur 12:30-3pm Training and Respite) ▲ (0-18mths or confident walkers) of services including: that could lead to qualifications, a about Easter events, Baby Clinic 1:30-3:30pm (0-5yrs.PICL) Midwife Clinic (Tue,Wed,Thur)9-1pm Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30am ● (Blurton Health Centre) Mon 9:30-11:30am childcare and children's learning job or career change. pop into your local Wed 12:30-2:30pm Literacy * 9:30-11:30am Dads Saturday 10-Noon Adult Learning and Crèche # Start Up Numeracy 12:30-2:30pm (First Saturday of each month) 12:45-2:45pm and development Contact details are included with Children’s Centre. Thur 9:30-11:30am ● Parent Forum (Fortnightly) 1-2:30pm Baby Massage * health services each centre’s calendar. Alternatively, Baby Massage* (one-to-one sessions) FRIDAY ● Volunteering Programme (Please family support follow your centre on Facebook. THURSDAY Volunteering Programme Lets Get Creative Stay and Play speak to The Community and Economic Employment Workshop 11-Noon Training Programme Development Officer Caz Gotham) (Messy play,please bring a change of ■ clothing) 9:30-11am (1-2-1 sessions) Sensory Room (Mon-Fri) 9-4:45pm FREE Home Safety Advice and Parent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm Baby Clinic Drop-In 11-Noon Equipment (Speak to the Outreach (First Friday of every month) CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE CENTRE OF THE CITY Baby Massage ■ 1:15-2:30pm Team)

01782 01782 01782 01782 01782 01782 236333 231096 01782 238352 237650 233775 234024 232977 Greatbatch Avenue,Penkhull,Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7JU Eaves Lane,Bucknall,Stoke-on-Trent ST2 9AS Travers Court,Temple Street,Fenton,Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4NR Normacot Grange Road,Meir,Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7AW Jubilee Road, Trentham ST4 8EF MONDAY FRIDAY St Nicholas Avenue,Norton,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 8JW MONDAY FRIDAY MONDAY FRIDAY MONDAY FRIDAY Bishop Road,Chell Heath,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6QW Play Together Drop-In(0-5yrs) 9:30-11am Play Together Drop-In 9:30-10:45am MONDAY FRIDAY MONDAY OTHER SERVICES Growing Together * 10-11:30am Breastfeeding Café 10:30-Noon ■ Toast and Toys 9-11am Fenton Families First 9:30-11:30am Play Together Drop-In 9:15-11:15am Baby Jabadao Drop-In 9:30-11am Baby Jabadao 12:30-2pm Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11am MONDAY OTHER SERVICES Baby Massage 10:30-Noon (0-5yrs,Stoke Library,term time only) English Course and Crèche # 1-3pm Saturdads (First Saturday of every Time 4 You Wellness* 12:30-2:30pm Play Together 10:15-11:30am Tiny Talkers * 1:30-2:30pm Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am (26 April,10 May) (0-5yrs) (0-First steps) (Family Support available for advice and Parent Forum Meeting 9:30-11:30am Rumble Tummies Café (Mon-Fri,open (Carmountside Primary School) Parents Forum (15 April) 1-2:30pm TUESDAY month,location varies) # TUESDAY (18mths+.Stoke Library,term time only) Fenton Book Buddies 11:30-12:30pm Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm Outreach Drop-In 9-10am Growing Together ** 1-2:30pm support) TUESDAY Early Intervention Outreach # (Last Monday of every month) to the public) 10:30am-1:30pm Growing Together * 1:15-2:30pm Not Just Mums (23 April) 1-2:30pm Growing Together** 9:30-11am Baby Weighing Clinic 9-10:30am (25 March,29 April,20 May,24 June) (Grange Nursery School.Term time only) (0-5yrs.PICL) Foster Carers’Group Noon-3pm Sweet Peas Baby Group 9:30-11am Play and Learning Outreach # Adult Learning and Crèche # 1-3pm Saturdads (First Saturday of every (Abbey Hulton) TUESDAY OTHER SERVICES Walking Group 1-2:30pm OTHER SERVICES (Family Support available for advice and Midwife Clinic 9-12:30pm (12 April) (0-18mths) Volunteering Program # (Please speak month,location varies) # Transition Crèche * 9:30-11am Toy Library Growing Together* (0-5yrs) 1-2:30pm Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am support) TUESDAY Chill and Chat (No crèche) 1-2:30pm OTHER SERVICES TUESDAY OTHER SERVICES Young Parents Group 10-Noon to our Community and Economic Early Intervention Outreach # (Venue to be confirmed,term time only) Sensory Room (By request) (15 April,3,17 May) ▲ OTHER SERVICES ▲ Messy Monkeys Baby Group (0-18mths Toy Library (By request) ▲ Midwife Clinic 9:30-1pm Dads Saturday 10-Noon Midwife Antenatal 9:30-4pm Development officer Melissa Worth) Volunteering Group 9:30-11:30am ■ Midwife Clinic TUESDAY Play and Learning Outreach # Breastfeeding Café Drop-In 10:30-Noon Toy and Book Library WEDNESDAY Outdoor Play Area Adult Learning and Crèche # 1-3pm Toy Library # or confident walkers) 9-10:30am Volunteering Program # (Please speak and Crèche (Weeks parent forum not on) Sensory Room Speech and Language Support▲ Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11:30am Community Garden Parent Forum 10:30-11:30am (First Saturday of each month at The Growing Together * 1:15-2:45pm Crèche for Training and Parent Forum Volunteering Programme Mobile Toy Library # Health Visitor Drop-In 9-10:30am to our Community and Economic Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am Speech and Language Support* (PICL,0-5yrs,term time only) Play and Learning in the Home* Busybodies 1-1:45pm Play and Learning Home Visits (Every fortnight.Limited crèche) Crescent Children’s Centre) WEDNESDAY ■ 9:30-11am English Course and Crèche # Development officer Nanette Hulse) (16 April,7 May) Play and Learning Home Visiting (£2 per family.26 March) Sensory Room Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am WEDNESDAY Family Support in the Home* Parent Forum (Fortnightly) 9:30-11am 12:45-2:45pm Toy Library # Baby Massage* 1:30-2:30pm Kingsland Kindergarten (Day Care) Baby Massage * 1:30-3pm Volunteering Programme WEDNESDAY Portage Play * 9:30-11:30am Volunteering Programme Pandas Group (0-5yrs) 12-2:30pm THURSDAY WEDNESDAY Mobile Toy Library # WEDNESDAY Job Centre (every Thursday) Growing Together ** 9:30-11am (17 April.Call 235489 for details) WEDNESDAY Family Support Drop-In 2:30-3:30pm Jumping Beans (Milton Uth Centre. Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am Play Together (PICL) 10-11:30am Volunteering Programme (0-5yrs.PICL) Parent Training 9:30-11:30am Breastfeeding Café 9:30-11:30am (Priory Primary School,term time only) Music and movement) 9:15-10:45am (Call for details) Outreach Drop-In 9:30-Noon THURSDAY Time to Talk * 1:30-2:30pm Various Training Courses (6wk courses. Childminders Stay and Play Drop-In (Communication and language group) Triple P* 1-3pm Maths Course and Crèche # Limited Crèche places) 12:45-2:45pm THURSDAY THURSDAY (Childminders only) 9:30-11:30am ▲ THURSDAY THURSDAY Teenage Pregnancy Group * ■ Midwife Clinic 9-2:30pm Growing Together * 1-2:30pm 9:30-11:30am ■ Jo Jingles (£2 per family)10-10:45am Midwife Clinic All Day Health Visitor/Baby Weighing Clinic 12:30-2:30pm Breastfeeding Café 10:30-Noon FRIDAY FRIDAY Drop-In 9:30-11am Outreach Drop-In 9:30-Noon Ready Steady Learn * 9:30-11:30am THURSDAY Growing Together 1:30-3pm Maths Course and Crèche # Growing Together * 9:30-11am Play Together Drop-In 10-11:30am Baby Weighing 1:30-3:30pm (28 March,4 April.) 9:30-11:30am Walking Group # 1-2:30pm (Abbey Hulton Clinic) (Term time,0-5yrs,St John’s,Trent Vale) Play Together (0-5yrs) 12:30-2:30pm Parent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm (All the family can take part in walks Family LInks * 9:30-11:30am Outreach Play Together 9:15-11am Let’s Get Started 1:30-3pm Easter Bonnet Parade 10-11:30am (Clarice Cliffe Primary School.Term time) (Third Friday of every month) around the locality) (4 April) (Starts 25 April.The Nurturing Programme) (Starting 11 April.)

01782 01782 01782 01782 237500 01782 234357 237100 233670 236655 Garth Street,Hanley,Stoke-on-Trent ST1 2DA College Road,Shelton, Dawlish Drive,Bentilee,Stoke-on-Trent ST2 0HW Buccleuch Road,Normacot, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 4RF MONDAY THURSDAY Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DQ MONDAY OTHER SERVICES MONDAY FRIDAY Woodland Street,Tunstall,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6AP Play Together (18mths-5yrs) Ready,Steady,Go* 9:30-11:30am MONDAY THURSDAY Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm Crèche (Mon,Wed,Thur) 9:30-11:30am Play Together 9:30-11:30am Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am MONDAY FRIDAY (Younger siblings welcome) 9:30-11am (Transition crèche to NEG/School) ■ Outreach Play Together 1:30-3pm Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-3:30pm (19 April) ESOL (Term time only) 9:30-11:30am Parent Forum Drop-In 9:30-11:30am ▲ Maths Course and Crèche # Busy Babies Baby Group 9:30-11am Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30am Hands from Around the World (Gladstone Primary School.Term time) (Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri) TUESDAY Baby Massage 10-Noon Ready Steady Learn* 1-3pm Health Visitor and Baby Weighing Clinic Post Natal/New Baby 10-11am 12:45-2:45pm (0-18mths or confident walkers) Play and Learning in the Home* All Day 10:30-Noon (Transition based group) Drop-In 1:30-2:45pm Playspace 9-3pm 1-2:30pm TUESDAY (Mums and Babies up to 9mths) ▲ TUESDAY Health Visitors Drop-In Playgroup 1-2:45pm Incredible Years 12:30-2:30pm Earth Day Recyling Modelling (Mon,Tue,Thur,Fri.Open to the public) Growing Together 1-2:30pm 9:30-11:30am FRIDAY Growing Together * 9:30-11am (Etruscan Primary School) (Contact Connect,CAMHs and First Steps (22 April) 1-2:30pm Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am Café 10-Noon Busybodies 11:15-Noon FUNraisers constituted 9:30-11:30am Parent Forum Meeting 1-2:30pm Baby Massage 11:30-12:30pm Family Links * 12:30-2:30pm for more information) Ready Steady Learn* 9:30-11:30am Growing Together** 9:30-11am (Mon,Tue,Thur.Refreshments only) (£2 per session.Term time only) Group (26 April) (Every second Friday of the month) TUESDAY Play Together 1-2:30pm Drop-In FRIDAY Start-Up Courses available Asian Ladies Advice Group Drop-In Jumping Beans■ 1:30-2:30pm OTHER SERVICES TUESDAY Family Links* 9:30-11:30am WEDNESDAY (9,23 April) 11:30-1:30pm OTHER SERVICES ■ Safety Visit Drop-In 9-10am OTHER SERVICES (Term time only) ▲ (Music and movement) Stay and Play 9:30-11am Connect Group ^ 9:30-11:30am Home Play Sessions* 9:30-Noon Parent’s Forum 9:45-11am Baby Clinic 4:30-6pm Soft Play Area (Mon-Fri) 8:30-5pm ■ Triple P* 9:30-11:30am Speech and Language Support* Community Garden WEDNESDAY (Mon,Thur) Baby Massage 9:30-11am Growing Together* 1-2:30pm (27 Mar,24 April,8,22 May)) (First Tue of every month) ESOL Nibbles and Giggles Café (Mon-Fri, (Limited crèche available) (PICL.0-2yrs) Play and Learning in the Home* ■ Volunteering Programme Tue,Thur, Fri 9:30-11:30am Adult Learning and Crèche # Health Visitor Drop-In Baby Massage (0-12mths) 1-2:30pm open to the public) 10:30am-1:30pm Tiny Talkers* 1:30-2:30pm Family Support in the Home* WEDNESDAY 9:30-11:30am Hanley Health Centre 9:30-11:30am Start Up – SMILE 10-12pm Tue, Fri Noon-2pm Saturdads (First Saturday of every WEDNESDAY Volunteering Programme ▲ ▲ Mum 2 Mum Breastfeeding Café Shelton Primary Care Centre (0-1yrs) Play and Learning in the Home *1-4pm (SMILE Training and Employment Drop-In) Speech and Language Therapy 9-5pm Midwife Clinic (Mon-Fri) month,location varies) # Little Stars* 9:30-11:30am ▲ Drop-In 9:30-11:30am 1:30-3:30pm Development Checks 9:30-1pm Crèche for Training,Volunteering Early Intervention Outreach # OTHER SERVICES (Additional needs group) Young Parents New Baby Stay and Play and Learning in the Home *1-4pm THURSDAY Play Together 1-2:30pm and Respite Play and Learning Outreach # Saturday Story Time 11-Noon Ramble in the Bramble 10-11:30am ■ Play (Designed for young parents with Fitness Group (Term time) 10-11am Mon 12:30-3pm Volunteering Program # (Please speak Growing Together* (0-1yrs) 1-2:30pm (City Central Library) (Meet at All Saints Church.Bear Hunt on babies 0-18mths) 1:30-3pm THURSDAY Tue-Fri 9-11:30am to our Community and Economic 3 April) Growing Together** 1-2:30pm WEDNESDAY Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am Breastfeeding Cafe 10:30-Noon Play and Learning Home Visits THURSDAY Development officer Alison Shelly) ■ Play Together Drop-In 1-2:30pm ESOL 9:30-11:30am (26 March) FRIDAY Young Parents Group 10-Noon Toy Library # ■ (PICL.0-5yrs.Held at TBCC) Asian Ladies Advice Group Drop-In (Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri) ▲ (Limited crèche.Term time) Half Term Activities Midwife Antenatal 9:30am-4pm Mobile Toy Library # Eater Fun in Hanley Park 10-4pm Moss Green Growing Together** (4,18 April) 11:30-1:30pm Volunteering Programme English Course and Crèche # Play Together (0-18mths) 1:30-3pm Volunteering Programme (3 April) (Riverside Housing Office) 9:30-11am Baby Clinic 1-2:45pm Early Intervention Team 12:45-2:45pm Growing Together* 1-2:30pm Play Together 12:30-2pm Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm Training and Employment Support

■ Book at Reception ▲ Appointments Only. * Referral Only. # Ask at reception. ■ Book at Reception ▲ Appointments Only. ^ Limited crèche available. * Referral Only. PICL – Parents Involved in Children’s Learning. * Referral Only. ** Bookable places with Play and Learning Team. ■ Book at Reception. ▲ Appointments Only. Our City p18 18/3/13 13:39 Page 1

18 Our City SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Museum Officers Andrew Dawson and Devina Visram showing Partners the newly-discovered Campaign launched jewellery shaped like raid illegal lovebirds. booze shop to save new treasures POLICE and city council THE city council has pledged to Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham trading standards officers spearhead a campaign to save will have to raise more money to seized alcohol, tobacco newly-discovered Staffordshire buy the artefacts to ensure they are and pornographic Hoard artefacts for the region. kept with the original Hoard, saving material from an The city council jointly owns the the treasures for the West Midlands unlicensed shop in Stoke. original 3,900-piece Anglo-Saxon region. Following public treasure following a £3.3 million Councillor Mark Meredith, complaints that the fundraising effort in 2009. Now a Cabinet Member for Economic general store was selling further 81 items discovered in the Development and Culture, said:“We alcohol and tobacco a same farmer’s field have been ruled are committed to doing everything warrant was executed at part of the same collection. we can to save these new finds.” the location on Friday The coroner’s ruling means that The fascinating new artefacts morning. the new artefacts are classed as include a helmet cheek piece very Officials seized alcohol treasure and will now be valued by similar to an item from the original (including more than 40 the Treasure Valuation Committee discovery and pectoral crosses that bottles of vodka, and at the British Museum. also match crosses from the 2009 cans of cider and lager); This means city councils in collection. several pornographic The Potteries Museum & Art DVDs; 120 pouches of Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent is tobacco and 28 cases of currently displaying the largest 200 cigarettes – exhibition of the Staffordshire suspected as non-duty Hoard to date. This includes a piece paid items. featuring a pair of gold filigree ● Anyone with information lovebirds locked in a heart-shaped about counterfeit or embrace crafted by Anglo-Saxon non-duty paid alcohol or goldsmiths in the seventh century. tobacco can anonymously contact the Trading CHANGING THE SKYLINE... Standards Fakes Hotline Cabinet Member for Regeneration, 01782 238444. Planning and Transportation Anyone who has Councillor Ruth Rosenau at the concerns about traders in City Centre’s new bus station. their community, or wishes to report underage drinking, is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101. Apprentices reap benefits of training Now open...iconic new bus station THE city council’s apprenticeship scheme offers exciting opportunities to work towards a qualification transforms services while gaining valuable T’S all aboard as ceiling, has been designed by Shopping Centre. Other changes Transportation said the opening on-the-job experience. Stoke-on-Trent’s new architects Grimshaw, who also in the City Centre include further of the bus station would be a Apprentices are being Ibus station opens for designed the huge Eden Project pedestrianisation and pivotal moment in the city recruited in Media, business on 26 March. site in Cornwall. improvements to smarten up council’s drive to transform the Business Administration Passengers waiting for buses The new bus station kick starts streets and pedestrian areas in City Centre. She said: “The new bus station and Customer Service. will be sheltered from the the drive to transform Percy Street and Tontine Street. elements in a stylish glass-fronted Stoke-on-Trent’s retail heart into The work will eventually mean will transform a service which has The city council offers needed to be improved for some Intermediate and concourse complete with a premier regional shopping Albion Square becoming a major destination. time. And a modern, attractive Advanced level convenience store, newsagent, public area, with very little Once the old bus station has bus station will provide a much apprenticeships and once waiting areas and customer through traffic. been demolished it will pave the better first impression for people vacancies are available facilities. Councillor Ruth Rosenau, The building, with its iconic way for construction work to start Cabinet Member for arriving in the City Centre. they will be advertised at “As well as being a catalyst for curved roof and cedar interior on the £350million Regeneration, Planning and stoke.gov.uk/jobs regeneration, the bus station is, There are many benefits first and foremost, a huge to being an apprentice improvement for its customers – with Stoke-on-Trent City the hundreds of thousands of Council, including a 12 passengers who travel into the month contract and 37 City Centre by bus. There are so hours’ work per week: £100 many facilities which were not per week pay; 27 days available in the old bus station. “It is sheltered from the holiday and 8 bank CITY elements, has indoor toilets and holidays per year; learning CENTRE ROAD disabled facilities, and is safer as valuable skills and CHANGES... when there is a permanent city council knowledge from the bus station opens staff presence.” experienced staff and there will be some City council staff will be on being allocated a mentor changes to the road hand between 6am and midnight, to provide support in the network. See the map when the station is open, to help workplace. on the opposite passengers and discourage any ● For further information page for more potential antisocial behaviour. contact Katie Archer on details. ● Watch a year in the life of 01782 238196. the bus station construction at stoke.gov.uk/busstation Our City p19 18/3/13 13:43 Page 1

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Our City 19 Where to turn Brave young person’s traumatic account If you are a victim of abuse there are help lines and other outlines risks of grooming for sex abuse professionals that you can talk to.You can call SAFEGUARDING experts from has been through happens. Delegates also “Sharing information is really someone in our city: Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire something as horrendous explored local issues of useful as we tackle the issues of Advice and Referral Team have heard first-hand the harrowing as that and they find the child sexual exploitation abuse. My message to anyone out – 01782 235100 account of a young person who was strength to speak out. and grooming. there, is that there are lots of (8.30am-5pm) subjected to grooming and sexual This young person wants Carole said:“The idea agencies who can and do help and exploitation at just 13 years of age. to make sure what happened to was to raise awareness of the that you really don’t have to suffer in Emergency Duty Team – This brave young person was them doesn’t happen to anyone else.” current issues in safeguarding and to silence. 01782 234234 behind screens when they personally The young person’s account was acknowledge that domestic abuse, “The young person who spoke at (5pm-8.30am) told their story to 230 delegates at a delivered at the multi-agency sexual exploitation and grooming are our conference proves that abuse In an emergency, you can conference involving the city’s conference, which hosted delegates as much of a local concern as they can be tackled and children and dial 999 and ask for the Safeguarding Children Board and from children’s services, voluntary are a national issue. young people can be supported police. colleagues from Staffordshire organisations and charities, the police “We were able to network at the through their ordeals and given Safeguarding Children Board and and health services from across conference and learn about the skills help to have a brighter future. Base 58 – 01782 40 60 00 respective agencies and Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. of other colleagues in local “That’s what we’re absolutely Or, you can call a organisations. Delegates heard from national organisations. committed to doing.” national free helpline ● The City’s Board Manager Carole keynote speakers and saw powerful “We were also able to look at the For more information on child number:- Preston said:“What this young person drama presentations from the ‘tools’ frontline staff have as we work sexual exploitation including the had to say was exceptionally Eyewitness Theatre Company which together to tackle the truly signs of grooming and who you NSPCC powerful and rendered all of us brought to life the impact and effects horrendous issues of domestic abuse, can turn to for help, please visit Helpline – 0808 800 5000 absolutely silent. on children when they live in an child sexual exploitation and www.safeguardingchildren.stoke. Child line – 0800 1111 “You’ve got to admire anyone who environment where domestic abuse grooming. gov.uk or www.staffsscb.org.uk

Stoke-on-Trent’s new bus station means there will be changes to the City Centre road network and improvements to the street scene to make it a better place to work, shop and visit. Potteries The map below shows the pedestrianised Shopping areas, roads which are closed to vehicles, Centre new one-way streets and existing one-way streets that will become two-way. The changes come into place on 26 March

2013. Boots

M&S

Multi-storey

car park Crown BHS Bank KEY

Pedestrianised Area and Bus Lanes

No motor vehicles at any time (road closed in Regent both directions) Theatre

Existing one-way streets

New one-way streets Town Hall Existing one-way streets to become two-way Victoria Potteries Hall Museum & Art Gallery

Multi-storey New Bus car park Library Station North

Crown Court This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised Potteries Way reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may Police Station lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Stoke-on-Trent City Council 100024286 2012 Our City p20 18/3/13 14:00 Page 1

20 Our City SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Sustainable travel... healthier, cheaper and reducing congestion Travel to work made NewNew mapmap pointspoints affordable HUNDREDS of people looking for work or thethe wayway to100to100 starting new jobs have been supported by a city council initiative to help them travel to work. The Home to Work milesmiles ofof trackstracks scheme provides support “There are some real hidden through bicycle loans, VER 120,000 up-to-date maps gems in Stoke-on-Trent, and Flexi Taxi services and bus cycling is the ideal way to find passes, as well as working Oshowing a huge network of cycle routes them.” closely with bus Stuart said parts of the cycle companies to make sure and facilities in network ran along the city’s routes cover key Stoke-on-Trent have canal towpaths many miles of employment sites. been distributed to traffic-free greenways and even There are also moves to homes with this issue of the path between expand the service by Our City. Stoke Centre and Hanford. offering moped loans. The new city cycle map, He said: “More and more Tunstall-based Nicholas which was last produced in people are taking up cycling Guy, who has recently 2011, shows new cycle paths particularly due to the rise in secured a role as a Law and cycle ways, and also has a petrol costs. Apprentice, has received a detailed inset of the City “The map is very useful for three-month bus pass Centre, showing cycle-friendly planning safe and quieter routes to work or school through the initiative. routes, improvements to streets Belinda Riley, and pathways and new by bike. It’s handy and Admin Officer for He said:“It takes me pocket-sized and a great opportunities for cyclists Health Records at the about an hour and 20 way to plan a journey. provided by the new bus University Hospital of minutes to walk from station. “Stoke-on-Trent is North Staffordshire Tunstall to the City And the user-friendly fold the envy of many cities Centre, so the bus pass is out map also points the way to due to its vast green riding her bike to a huge help. My low over 160 kilometres (just over open spaces.What’s even work. apprentice wage meant I 100 miles) of cycle routes more amazing is how you would have initially around the city, half of which can travel around this city, struggled getting into are traffic free. particularly north and work.” Cycling Development Officer south virtually traffic free! ● For more information Stuart Aldridge said: “The map “Its a great way to see the please telephone shows our network of routes city and keep healthy and fit 01782 235367 or email which enable cyclists to at the same time. Exploring appreciate just how green our our city by bike has something [email protected] city is. for everyone.” University roadshows give a wheely great intro to cycling ROADSHOWS at Staffordshire University introduced hundreds of students and visitors to the exciting world of cycling round Stoke-on-Trent. The sessions were staged in the open space between the university’s new science block and the Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College. As well as being given the opportunity to try out lots of different types of bikes from a fleet available on the days, and seeing all different kinds of safety equipment, visitors also received training from a helpful character called Dr Bike on: ● Checking and cleaning a bike to keep it safe. ● Learning to repair the dreaded puncture. ● Identifying problems with brakes and setting them up correctly. ● Learning how to set up gears. Other sessions will teach people how to ride bikes properly and safely, from the basics to advanced advice such as how to ride through complex junctions. Cycling Development Officer Stuart Aldrige said: “We want to make cycling accessible to more and more people, so showing people what cycles are available and helping them with maintenance and safety advice is really important.The roadshow sessions were well-attended and lots of fun.” Roadshows were also staged to advise and help Project Manager Lindsay Vicary staff at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire. gives tips on getting the most out of his ● bicycle to student Matthew Doughty, For more information visit 21, during one of the roadshows. www.bikeright.co.uk or call 01782 733989. Our City p21 18/3/13 14:03 Page 1

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Our City 21 Spotlight on quality care for our city’s most vulnerable residents Inspectors rate museum experience as Lunch club fun gives Irene, 90, ‘excellent’ has been officially named as “excellent” by the National a new lease of life Tourist Board. It comes after an annual TUCK at home and inspection, including a visit by a mystery shopper, and checks bored was not on the way the museum deals S90-year-old Irene with customers by phone and Harrison’s idea of fun but email.The most recent all that has changed thanks inspection found the to day activities arranged Irene attraction – telling the story of specifically for her by Harrison, 90, a Victorian pottery factory – Stoke-on-Trent City enjoys a trip to “provides an overall excellent Council. the city council-run quality experience”. Though she is supported lunchclub with her The report said: “The level by her own family, Irene still own Rehab of interpretation used within wanted more from her social Assistant Lesley the museum was excellent, life and was delighted when Garrett. with a variety of techniques she was offered the chance to used and activities to keep attend lunch clubs twice a week. children entertained.” She said: “My legs aren’t very Councillor Mark Meredith, good and I’d been stuck at home Cabinet Member for on and off for ages. I was used to Economic Development, getting out so it was monotonous Culture and Sport, said: “This and boring. I enjoy going to the is fantastic news for the lunch clubs now. It’s good museum and the city as a company and everyone is very whole. We have some nice and helpful. The food is very good too.” fantastic tourist attractions in our city and it is only right One-to-one support that they receive national recognition.” Irene is just one of hundreds of ● people who have been supported The museum is open into the activities so far this year every day, Monday to by two council teams covering the Saturday 10am to 5pm, north and south of the city. Each Sundays 2pm to 5pm. team takes referrals from social For more information workers before sourcing suitable call 01782 237777, visit activities, tailored to meet www.stokemuseums.org.uk individual needs. or search for the museum on The council has commissioned Facebook. services from 11 specialist private providers so far. All offer one-to-one support as well as community and centre-based Quality park activities which can range from dancing, art classes, bowling, is country at snooker and darts, gardening and She said: “I made sure Irene Smith said: “It’s a really exciting To find out more about even social evenings. got to and from her lunch clubs time as the people we’re helping heart of city how the city council Those helped so far range in and because she’s a bit unsteady now have a greater choice of ONE of Stoke-on-Trent’s most age from 18 to 100 with each on her feet I supported her to get services depending on their needs. cares for our most natural sites has been person being supported for the inside. She settled in really well “I’m very proud to be doing vulnerable residents awarded official country park first six weeks in their chosen and it was lovely assisting her this job especially when I think visit stoke.gov.uk, ask activity by their own council home each time knowing that I’d how we’re helping people to enjoy status. Rehab Assistant. In Irene’s case it made a difference.” life and, in many cases, to get at your local centre or Park Hall Country Park has was Lesley Garrett. Rehab Officer South Trish their confidence back.” call 01782 234567. become the first accredited country park in the city. To qualify for the status parks must meet criteria including clear information for Transformed service puts people first across city visitors on where they can go STIMULATING day opportunities for adults Manager Christine Morton said:“Services and what they can do; easy to with learning disabilities are offered by the across the city for adults who have follow footpaths, cycle paths council at four locations across the city. learning disabilities have undergone a and bridleways; a daily staff The Learning Disability Team provide a major transformation over the past few presence and opportunities wide variety of activities and training years. for the local community to sessions all designed to build confidence “Our focus is to provide support to have an influence over the and promote independence. enable people to live as independently as management and Waterside is the service’s jewel in the possible and to be able to access the wide development of the site. crown. Previously known as Newstead range of services and facilities. Councillor Andy Platt, Day Service, the building has undergone a “As well as the developments at Cabinet Member for Green £1.6 million transformation to offer Waterside, we have developed smaller, Enterprises and Clean City, state-of-the-art facilities for adults with neighbourhood based services and said:“One of the key multiple and complex learning currently support in excess of 200 people. components of our Mandate disabilities. Facilities include a fully “Supported by our dedicated staff for Change is to make the city interactive music and tactile suite, a team, people are able to access a great place to live and it’s sensory room, a relaxing soft room and a employment training, paid and voluntary obvious to see we’re well on chill out area. work, social and leisure activities, services our way to doing that with Services are also provided at Portland which promote health, safety and well- awards like this. House in Burslem, St John’s Welcome being and life skills training, all of which “This award is a real coup Centre in Abbey Hulton and at Riverside will serve to ensure that people Service-user Joe Sproston, 29, in and testament to all the hard in Stoke, which offers specialist experience fulfilling lives.” the soft room at Waterside with work which is put in to make it employment and training support. ● Visit stoke.gov.uk to find out more Support Worker Alan Caddy. a first class attraction.” The council’s Fulfiling Lives Team about the Waterside service. Our City p22 18/3/13 14:06 Page 1

22 Our City SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Public will have greater say on health matters as city council runs service ESIDENTS will have a greater say in being R able to shape key health and lifestyle issues as Soccer fans the city council takes over responsibility for public team up to health from the NHS. As part of national changes, public health responsibilities will lose weight return to local authorities as of SOCCER fans shed hundreds April 1. of pounds in weight as part of It means services such as a high profile public health smoking cessation, sexual health campaign in the city. (prevention through to treatment), The 41 Stoke City mental health well-being and drug supporters took part in a and alcohol programmes will all be 12-week Drop A Shirt Size transferred. However, people are being project designed by health reassured that the changeover will improvement specialists and be seamless and that there will be supported by a lifestyle coach. a greater opportunity for everyone In total they lost 126 kgs to influence the future direction of (278 pounds) – and 188.2 cms public health. off their waists and chests. Sharon Taaffe, Head of Health Premier League star Ryan Shotton (standing in black tracksuit) pictured at the half-time interval during the The supporters – who each Improvement, said: “Generally Potters’ home game against Wigan Athletic with Stoke City fans who completed a 12-week ‘Drop A Shirt Size’ lost more than five per cent of speaking people should not notice programme run by the public health service in Stoke-on-Trent. their body weight – were any changes and the transfer will presented with their new, be seamless. Funding is ring-fenced direct say on the future of public Healthwatch are now all working improve the service we provide smaller, replica team shirts so will not be affected by other health – for example through in partnership to address issues of going forward.” before The Potters’ home budgetary issues and venues for residents talking directly to their health, wellbeing and health ● game with Wigan Athletic in service delivery and the levels of ward councillors about issues inequalities across the city. For more details about the professional expertise involved will affecting them.” Sharon added: “We are very changes people can contact their January. stay the same. The city council, NHS, social keen for the council to work in local councillor or Sharon directly They then posed with star “There will be, however, more care, children’s services and partnership with residents and on 298060 or by emailing defender Ryan Shotton for a opportunities for people to have a representatives from the LINk and other agencies to refine and [email protected] celebratory pitch-side photo. welcome to the Careers Service 11-19* Come and see us at The Store (the old Post Office), Tontine Street, City Centre (Hanley), Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1LX. Open Monday-Friday. You’llYou’ll findfind usus inin allall ofof thethe schoolsschools andand collegescolleges inin thethe city.city.

St Pl Fountain Burton Square

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• Choosing courses • Interview help illy • McDonalds cad Per ic c P y St Stafford Ln • University • CV’s unswick St • Webberleys Old Hall St

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• Apprenticeships • Skills for work Stafford St

C h Charles St Not sure what to do next? • Job Search • College e a t • Argos p all S l si H d ld Please call 237747 text 07879 115678 e O • Internet Access • Employment • Regent • B&M Pa Theatre Bargains email [email protected] visit ll Mall • Careers Advice and Guidance Albion St stoke.gov.uk/careersservice or Tweet Lichfield S @sotcareersservice • One-to-one Support and Mentoring St bion Over 19? Please ring 233530. *We used to be Connexions Service. Our City p23 18/3/13 14:33 Page 1

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Our City 23 Parties a chance Involving parents... Ruth Mancey enjoys to find out more an arts activity with her son, three-year-old about centres Henry Timmis, in the A series of celebration parties are being nursery at The organised for pre-school children. Crescent Children’s The events will take place at Burslem, Norton, Centre in Meir. Stoke North and Tunstall Children’s Centres throughout the year. On the day, there will be a host of fun activities laid on in a safe, comfortable environment for youngsters. And while the children are having fun, parents will be able to access advice from health visitors, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service officers, the city catering team as well as information from the library service and experts at the centres. Tips on healthy eating, money-saving ideas and safety in the home will all be on the agenda. Party food will be provided as well as a healthy birthday cake. The next party dates are: Wednesday, 27 March: Tunstall Children’s Centre – for 2 year olds (born between 1 October 2010 and 31 March 2011) Wednesday, 17 April: Burslem Children’s Centre – for 2 year olds (born between 1 November 2010 and 30 April 2011) Wednesday, 24 April: Norton Children’s Centre – for 3 year olds (born between 1 November 2009 to 30 April 2010) Wednesday, 1 May: Stoke North Children’s Early years changes designed Centre – for 3 year olds (born between 1 October 2009 and 30 May 2010) They all take place between 1pm and 3pm. More parties are planned for later in the year. See the Stoke North Facebook pages for more to boost education details. EW partnerships are being Eleanor Brazil, the city council’s developed in 12 areas of Director of Children’s Services, said: “Too N Stoke-on-Trent now the many children are starting behind in their city council is overhauling free development and schools have to work harder to ensure they catch up. early years education to make it “We need to be better at identifying more effective. children earlier, particularly those who Children are currently offered 30 hours need extra support and help. in nursery each week though 10 per cent “Not all parents want full time and our of families do not take up that provision. system is not sufficiently flexible. A wide-ranging review heard that “We want to use more of our resources despite those full-time hours, Key Stage 1 in a targeted way to help those children attainment in the city remains the lowest in the UK. with higher levels of need and so we will So from September 2014, the standard be developing and improving our early city council offer for three-year-olds will intervention and targeted support. be the statutory minimum of 15 hours. Parents who need extra help Children with additional needs will get full-time provision. “Our early intervention services and Work is also underway to build closer children’s centres are really important in partnerships with key providers like reaching these children and their families. private and voluntary nurseries, schools, If health services, children’s centres, children’s centres and health colleagues to private and voluntary nurseries and ensure fair provision across the city and schools work together, we can use our more effective use of resources. combined resources more effectively and The council has also pledged that about support the more vulnerable children in 1,000 children aged two who have higher the city better. levels of need will be able to access “As part of this we need to ensure that Deliberately starting grass fires nursery provision. It is part of the city those parents who need extra help have council’s commitment to helping prepare access to good parenting programmes children for school as part of its efforts to alongside their children attending is a crime. improve achievement. nursery.” Don’t stop us being somewhere Applications due for nursery places we could save a life. PARENTS with a child aged three by 31 speak to the city council’s admissions If you see a fire call 999. If you know who started it call August this year should make their team by calling 01782 234598. Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. application for a place at a local school They will advise parents on the nursery by 28 March. reasons they were not offered a place Anyone who makes their application at the nursery of their choice and will after this date may also get a place if look for vacancies at alternative the school has capacity. School nurseries. Staffs Fire and Rescue @staffsfire nurseries will still be offering full-time They also have the option of applying free places from this September. for 15 hours free provision at a www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk If not offered a place, parents can maintained or a private nursery. Our City p24-25 18/3/13 14:37 Page 1

24 Our City SPRING/SUMMER 2013

Government changes to benefits – April 2013 Changes at a glance - how the bene

The amount of Housing Benefits paid to Council offers residents WORKING AGE tenants who live in Council or Housing Association Could you properties will be help over reforms reduced if they have more bedrooms than ELP and support are have too available to people in the Government think H Stoke-on-Trent “”We understand many the family needs.This is affected by the many spare called Under Occupancy Government’s welfare people will find this difficult reforms. and sometimes referred Pensioners, people receiving but we want to offer as bedrooms? Employment Support Allowance to as the Bedroom Tax. Support Component and people much information, help receiving a severe disability premium will not be affected by and support as we can. the changes to payments that help with council tax. Councillor Paul Shotton But independent research shows Pensioners, the reforms will have the greatest impact on poorer families and ● Changes to the Community council supports people who need severely those with children. Support Fund which can provide help with their housing costs The changes will mean: vulnerable residents with help in through Discretionary Housing disabled people ● Some people paying an element of times of crisis; Payments. their Council Tax for the first time; ● Changes in the way Housing Councillor Paul Shotton, and people ● You might Some people receiving less Benefit is calculated for tenants Cabinet Member for Finance, Housing Benefit because they do who rent from a Private Landlord; Procurement and Commissioning, under 25 who not occupy all the rooms in their and said: “The Welfare Reforms house (the so-called Bedroom Tax); ● Changes in the way the city introduced by the Government will have to are actively affect thousands of residents in Stoke-on-Trent, many of them seeking work Don’t ignore changes... seek advice already finding it difficult to make pay some will NOT BE MEMBERS of the public are being said: “Our advice is for people ends meet. urged to make the most of who might never have had to pay “We understand many people AFFECTED. advice and different ways to any Council Tax before to find will find this difficult but we want Council Tax make payments that may be due out how they can pay and the to offer as much information, help under the new arrangements. options available. and support as we can. There are many ways people “Ignoring the bill won’t make “These changes which affect can pay their Council Tax, it go away and could lead to benefits the city council delivers including a weekly option which debts soon stacking up.” are set against rising cost of living makes it easier to make ends ● Visit stoke.gov.uk email and other benefits being raised by less than inflation – all this adds to Can I get any other help meet. Assistant Director of [email protected] or Financial Services Peter Bates call 01782 232982 the pressure.The city council is here to help as much as it can.” with my rent? How do I contact the council about my Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit? You can call into any council local centre or One Stop Shop for general advice. If you want to talk to a benefit assessor they are available as shown in the table below. Call 01782 232982 if you want to the city council might make an appointment. YES be able to provide a Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Discretionary Housing Bentilee ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ Drop in 9am-12pm Neighbourhood Centre Appointments 1-4pm Payment Blurton ✓✓ Drop in 9am-12pm 111 Finstock Avenue Appointments 1-4pm Who will qualify? Burslem ✓ Drop in 9am-12pm 15/21 Brickhouse Street Appointments 1-4pm ● foster carers Hanley Drop in 9am-1pm ● Floor 2, City Central Library ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓Appointments 2-4pm young people Bethesda Street leaving care Longton Drop in 9am-12pm ● 1 Commerce Street ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓Appointments 1-4pm people whose home has significant Meir ✓✓ Drop in 9am-12pm adaptations to meet their needs 737-730 Uttoxeter Road Appointments 1-4pm Stoke ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ Drop in 8.45am-5pm Who for? South Wolfe Street Tunstall ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ Drop in 9am-12pm People claiming Housing Benefit Next to the market Appointments 1-4pm Our City p24-25 18/3/13 14:37 Page 2

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Our City 25 nefit reforms will affect residents Options: Under the new rules you’re allowed: The changes will mean: STAY AND PAY: your landlord can advise you on managing One bedroom if If you have one your money bedroom too you are a single HOUSING WELFARE ADVICE: customer or many your visit: stoke.gov.uk/welfarereform one bedroom one bedroom for two One room for any Housing part of a non-resident carer(s) % for a child or children under 10 couple, Benefit will of your MOVE: your landlord could try and help you find providing overnight be reduced by 14 overall rent somewhere with fewer bedrooms.You could ve plus: care register for a mutual exchange at n If you have two www.homeswapper.co.uk, or call the Housing k or more Advice team on 01782 233696 or email: bedrooms [email protected] is or one bedroom for one bedroom each One bedroom for too many two children of the for children over the single people or your Housing % TAKE IN A LODGER: you will need permission from your of your local office or housing association and will need to inform same sex up to age of 10 of the couples aged Benefit will 25 overall your home insurer the age of 16 opposite sex 16 or over be reduced by rent FIND A JOB: visit: direct.gov.uk/Jobseekers

Child benefit is Advice from the city council: What does it mean? Please call us on 01782 234234 The maximum We can help you pay by setting up a amount of The maximum NOT payment plan that suits you. {}counted as income Council Tax e Council Tax Support anybody Support can claim is % anybody can % Options include: unless you’re not affected of the band 70 claim is 70 ● Monthly payments over o (see left) you’ll have to pay D charge part of the bill 12 months, on any date up to 28th Second Adult (this means that anybody living of the month Rebate is to be The amount of capital that a person can hold and in a property whose Council Tax ● Weekly payments abolished still claim Council Tax Support will be restricted to band is higher than Band D will ● only be able to claim up to 70% Direct debit of the Band D charge) You can also pay online or on our £10,000 automated payment line 01782 234123 p Are you aware of the various methods of paying your Ways to pay your rent, Council Tax and other City Council Charges? Rent,Council Tax A hassle free way to pay. It Direct Debits gives you the flexibility to pay weekly or monthly – your and other City choice and your payment is taken directly from your bank account. If you would like to set up a direct debit or would Council charges like to discuss this further please contact your nearest Local Paypoint, Payzone Centre or alternatively contact: 01782 234234 Based at various outlets you can pay when it suits you.This gives or Post Offices you that flexibility to pay in the evening and at weekends. You can pay over the internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just log on to Internet stoke.gov.uk/payments and using a debit/credit card you can make a payment. You can pay 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by telephone Local Centres/ One Stop Shops Telephone on 01782 234123 using a You can pay at the City Council’s Local Centres and One Stop Shops. debit/credit card Please see our web page for our opening times: stoke.gov.uk/localcentres Our City p26 18/3/13 14:51 Page 1

26 Our City SPRING/SUMMER 2013

City lobbies Government Funtime cheerleading sessions on HS2 stop THE city council has pledged a great way for young people to exercise to continue campaigning for the Government’s proposed ORE youngsters those on the course will high speed rail service to are being given also benefit from increased the chance to fitness, muscle tone, stop in North Staffordshire M suppleness and acrobatic to serve the city and get fit and have fun by ability. surrounding urban area. trying their hand at “And with cheerleading Working with cheerleading. being a team activity, it Government, the authority A 12-week course launched will also provide will carry out a study to at Stoke-on-Trent Gymnastics opportunities to improve identify the economic Centre in Burslem in January social skills and make new benefits that having a HS2 will return in April. friends.” stop would bring to the Children will be guided The new course starts area. through the basics of on Sunday, 14 April 2013 It is hoped the findings cheerleading with the with sessions from opportunity to progress their will persuade Central 12.45pm until 2.15pm for pom-pom skills with more those aged between seven Government to put a stop in advanced lessons on how to and 10. North Staffordshire. perform displays. They cost £4. Sessions The city council and the Each session will be taught for children aged 11 and Chamber of Commerce and by a team of professionally- above run between Industry have met with qualified and experienced 2.30pm and 4pm on Patrick McLoughlin MP, instructors and for new Saturdays and cost £6. Secretary of State for customers, the first session is No equipment is Transport, to discuss the free. needed, but youngsters government’s proposals and Events and Commercial need to take trainers and the need for further work to Manager Chris Austin said: wear gym clothes that determine a robust business “We’re very pleased to host allow easy movement. case for a station. more cheerleading sessions. Spaces are limited and “Cheerleading is an activity The study will be should be pre-booked on with an increasing popularity 01782 233111. completed in the next few in the UK. As well as being a For more information months, before a final fun activity, it also gives announcement is made on participants a great call Stoke-on-Trent this phase of the high speed all-round workout. Gymnastics Centre on rail project. “Starting with the basics of 01782 234444 or visit POM-POM POWER... Rebecca Murray, left, and Lucy Griffin, both Year Nine students, movement and teamwork, stoke.gov.uk/leisure from Haywood Engineering College, keep fit with some cheerleading practice.

Your seasonal brown bin City council pledges collection will start again to support New Vic from 8 April. STOKE-on-Trent City Council planned budget cuts to save pleased to meet and listen to will continue to support one £24 million in 2012/13 – the concerns raised by of North Staffordshire’s most meaning funding would be trustees and managers of the Please leave your popular theatres. removed altogether by theatre. The city council’s funding 2016/17. “We recognise the value of brown bin out for the New Vic Theatre faced Following discussions the the New Vic Theatre to the on your usual proposed reductions of council has confirmed the city in terms of its economic £23,000 in each of the next grant will reduce from impact and also the valuable recycling day. three financial years under £67,500 to £45,000 in the work it does with local coming year and will now schools and communities. Please place your remain at that level for the “We also recognise the Free sports following two years. importance of the New Vic as food waste in your The council will review the a producing theatre with a overall provision of cultural national profile. We are fully brown bin now that at health club activity and festivals in the committed to playing our VISITORS to a health club city in context with the grant role in supporting the collections have are being given the chance provided to the theatre. theatre in the coming years.” to enjoy racket sports for resumed. Councillor Mark Meredith, Newcastle Borough free as part of their Cabinet Member for Council and Staffordshire membership. Economic Development, County Council also provide Members at Shapes Culture and Sport, said:“I was funding to the theatre. Health and Leisure Club will If you are unsure soon be able to add of your recycling badminton, squash, short The popular tennis and table tennis to New Vic Theatre. day please visit their fitness regimes. stoke.gov.uk/brownbin The sports are in addition to their existing or call 01782 234234. memberships, which include use of the centre’s gyms, pools, health spa, exercise classes and free parking. ● For more details about membership call 01782 233444 or visit stoke.gov.uk/brownbin stoke.gov.uk/shapes Our City p27 18/3/13 14:55 Page 1

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Our City 27 Pupils and employers City language sign up to Fairtrade service gives BUSINESSES in Stoke-on-Trent will have the opportunity to show their support for Fairtrade expert input at when they receive their Business Rates. The city council has worked with the Chamber Westminster of Commerce and Industry to encourage AN award winning companies to help Fairtrade producers all over Stoke-on-Trent service which the world by changing the products they use. is helping improve speech Events staged in Fairtrade Fortnight saw an and language skills in young annual event hosted by Lord Mayor Councillor children has played an Terry Crowe to promote the important role in a city’s commitment and Parliamentary inquiry. encourage people to follow suit. The city council-led Stoke There was also a visit by Speaks Out was asked to be pupils from Eaton Park Primary an expert witness in a major School who took part in a review of the links between debate in the council chamber communication difficulties at the Civic Centre in Stoke. Pupils and social disadvantage. Councillor Crowe said:“We do support at Haywood Programme lead Janet Fairtrade in Stoke-on-Trent but we would Engineering College Cooper and early years lead encourage everyone to do their bit to benefit Adam Hesketh, 12, and Gill Latos spoke at the House Fairtrade producers, it’s good to see school Shayden Versfeld, 13, of Lords as part of the All pupils getting involved, as well as the many who help to run the Party Parliamentary Group on things going on in the wider community.” school’s Fairtrade ● Speech and Language To find our more visit stoke.gov.uk and shop. Difficulties, led by Lord search for Fairtrade. Ramsbotham. Councillor Alan Dutton, Cabinet Member for Education, said:“This is fantastic recognition of the Plans put forward to boost city’s very high regard Stoke Speaks Out is held in. “The service is a leader in the field of prevention and early intervention for speech, night-time economy language and communication difficulties and has won a LANS are being formulated media to support the review, partly sourcing hear from people who live and breathe our range of national awards.” now the review designed to feedback via its Facebook page and asking city centre night-time economy and for us as ● To find out more about Pboost Stoke-on-Trent’s people for their views via posts as well as councillors to go out and see some of the the project visit www.stoke offering an online survey. different venues, such as the theatres, speaksout.org/ night-time economy has been The council’s webcasting system was used first-hand during late-night visits. completed. to broadcast evidence sessions live while “We have heard from people that Recommendations will go before the city Twitter coverage generated additional difficulties with public transport puts them off council’s Cabinet on 6 May after a group of discussion and interaction. travelling to the city centre for a night out New project councillors carried out wide-ranging Public meetings were staged at which a wide and that people would really like to be able to consultation with restaurants, bars, theatres range of different organisations from nightclub spend a whole night out enjoying a meal as celebrates and music venues. owners to taxi companies, the police and well as going to a show or enjoying a sociable Supporting businesses and service providers voluntary sector talked about their experiences drink. town’s pubs like public transport, the police, health and suggested ways on how the City Centre “But there’s real excitement about the services and street cleaners were also asked for could be improved for visitors. potential the Central Business District and A project has been launched their views as the review gathered evidence as Councillors also visited the City Centre at City Sentral is bringing to the city.” to celebrate Longton’s pubs, part of the council’s Mandate for Change night to talk to people. ● Listen for details of our great Summer past and present. agenda. Councillor Matt Wilcox, Chairman of the Night Out on BBC Radio Stoke in the To kick off the events, Ray For the first time, the council used social Review Group, said: “It’s been illuminating to next couple of weeks. Johnson, Director of Staffordshire Film Archive, delved into the history of the area’s nightlife and invited Club members show pride in our pottery guests to share memories of their favourite watering hole. FOR decades, Stokies have been turning over cups, saucers A sneak preview of the and plates in all parts of the globe to check whether or not refurbishment of the they were made in the city. American Hotel, which was Now people are being encouraged to join a club which popular with employees at gives them the freedom to turn over pottery and checking the Enson Pottery Works, was the backstamp whenever and wherever they like. also shown. Membership of the Backstamp Club is free and open to Engineers from anyone in the world.The club was launched nationally at the Stoke-on-Trent City Council Potteries Museum & Art Gallery on Monday, March 11 when painstakingly dismantled the James Beresford, chief executive of VisitEngland, was historic building, which is in a presented with his official Backstamp Club card. conservation area, brick by Deputy council leader councillor Paul Shotton, who brick after the structure presented Mr Beresford with his card, said:“The idea of the became unsafe. club celebrates this endearing habit and carries the message The team is now in the that there is great pride in seeing the name of Stoke-on-Trent, process of rebuilding the pub Staffordshire and even Britain being carried worldwide on which is benefiting from a fine china and ceramics. As well as celebrating the past, we major regeneration, costing are also looking to the future with the City Deal bid, which £600,000. would put the region at the forefront of international research It is hoped the work will and development in manufacturing and make it the home for soon be completed and an advanced materials businesses in Europe.” official re-opening will take All Backstamp Club members will receive their own place in the spring. personal Backstamp Club card, the latest club news and have The building will be used the chance to enter various competitions throughout the mainly by businesses and will year and win some great prizes. showcase the latest green Potter Beverley Hewitt and City Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Pervez ● To join the club visit http://www.visitstoke.co.uk/back technology. check the backstamp on ware made in Stoke-on-Trent. stampclub.aspx or www.facebook.com/backstampclub Our City p28 18/3/13 15:22 Page 1

28 Our City SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Spotlight on PRIDEPRIDE ININ our city’s OurOur RESIDENTS’ CityCity ASSOCIATIONS Quiet area a ‘ssh..ure’win Weston A quiet zone created in a once some bulbs and put Coyney Residents’ overgrown area has become a hit with in some hedging. Association Group residents. “Residents seem to really Secretary Sue Bourne Part of land at the back of Weston enjoy their time in the quiet in the quiet area Coyney Junior School has been cut zone, it is well used and it has behind the local back and spruced up with a pond, new helped to bring the community junior school. plants, raised flowerbeds and a together as well as encouraging seating area. people to look at the school’s Weston Coyney Residents’ Anderson shelter. Association carried out the work after “Eventually, we hope to introduce being granted almost £6,000 from the a few more shrubs and develop Big Lottery Fund. the area from there.” Group Secretary Sue Bourne said: Last year, schools and residents PRIDE IN OUR CITY... “It took some work to improve the used the plot of land to grow their Hartshill and area but it looks so much better now it first crop of potatoes. They hope to Harpfields Residents’ has been cleared and we have planted grow more produce again this year. Association Chair Barbara Andrew, pictured with her pet Toby, picks up litter Meadow planted with on the streets. beautifulbeautifulbeautiful bloomsbloomsblooms wildflower meadow is set to become the latest feature at a protected A playing field site. Brindley Ford Community Residents’ Association secured the future of an area off Fisher Street by applying for Queen Elizabeth II Field status in an initiative run to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee last year. Members helped to get a new play area PRIDEPRIDE Michelle and are now growing saplings donated by ININ Brown with the Woodland Trust in preparation for a r some of the meadow to enrich the field. OurOu saplings donated Michelle Brown, who chairs the CityCity by the Woodland group, said: “Protecting the field has Trust, which will given our community and future eventually be generations a recreational place they planted in the can enjoy for years to come. “The play area is very popular and wildflower we’re already planning further meadow. improvements. Cleaning up with a “The wildflower meadow will improve the appearance of the area and once that is complete we will look at putting in a nature walk and a little help from Toby natural pond. RESIDENTS are being encouraged to take responsibility for their “Everything is aimed at encouraging own patch in order to make Hartshill and Harpfields a better more people to get outdoors and enjoy what is on their doorstep.” place to live. The area’s residents’ association covers 80 streets and 3,000 homes and businesses as well as Hartshill Park Local Nature Reserve and Hartshill Cemetery. Barbara Andrew, Chairman of the group, litter-picks in a Tenants asked to help shape service different part of the neighbourhood each time she goes out with TENANTS of council introduced over the past 12 ● Anyone who is her dog Toby, and encourages others to take a similar approach. properties have been months, including the launch interested in getting She said:“I am appealing to residents and businesses to take reminded they can get of a series of panels. involved, or who would responsibility for the tidiness of their own patch. Pick up litter involved and influence the More members are needed like more information, from the pavement and street by your property, check your housing services they for panels covering areas should speak to the garden for rubbish, report dog-fouling and serious fly-tipping to receive. including housing Tenant Involvement Team the city council and cut back those overhanging bushes and A number of changes management, improvements, on 01782 238515 or email hedges. relating to tenant leaseholders, mystery tenantinvolvementteam@ “Toby and I pick up about 200 pieces of litter every time we go involvement have been shopping and complaints. stoke.gov.uk out for a walk. If everyone chips in, it can make a big difference.” Our City p29 18/3/13 15:25 Page 1

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Our City 29 GO, GO, GO... the moment when Operation Nemesis strikes, surprising another suspected drug dealer. iPhone pool app makes a real splash SWIMMERS will be able to have a go at swimming the equivalent of the English Channel and track their progress by downloading an iPhone app. Splashpath is being introduced for users of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s three pools, to make the venues even more user-friendly. It will give swimmers at Fenton Manor Sports Complex, Dimensions Leisure Centre and New Horizons Sport and Leisure Centre comprehensive pool information on their iPhones at the touch of a button. Swimmers can take up challenges including ‘swim the channel’,‘Loch Ness swim’ and ‘the great London swim’,and the app lets them record their visits and work towards the distances. It also allows swimmers to communicate their swimming activities to friends via social Villains’Nemesis leads our city’s media features. The swimming challenges and achievement tracking programmes are ideal for people to set themselves fitness clampdown on crime goals and have fun at the same time. ARD-hitting For more details, crimefighting call one of the Htactics pioneered centres involved or by police officers in visit stoke.gov.uk/swimming Stoke-on-Trent six years ago have now been rolled out to yet another part of Green Door the county. Operation Nemesis opens up continues to operate in the Potteries on a daily basis and cycling has resulted in hundreds and hundreds of offenders being DISABLED visitors to a city brought to justice since 2007. park will soon be able to enjoy Serious acquisitive crime has cycling around the venue. come down in that time. An accessible cycle-hire The model of major raids facility will be launched at and daily warrants for further Westport Lake as part of the searches and arrests developed Green Door Project. in the city is widely used across The four-year project, Staffordshire and has just been deployed by police officers in funded by the Big Lottery’s Burton upon Trent. Reaching Communities Fund, Launched there on 13 is aimed at encouraging Hundreds of offenders have been brought to justice and January this year, there have people, particularly older and been 31 arrests so far in two crime has dropped since the operation was launched in 2007. disabled members of society, major raids involving more than to make more use of green 250 officers. Serious acquisitive again. I’m very proud at how spaces to improve physical crime in the town has dropped by Stoke-on-Trent has led the way and mental wellbeing. a massive 72 per cent in that time. with Operation Nemesis. As part of the project, 11 Chief Inspector Martin “Almost daily arrests and Almost daily arrests specially adapted bikes will be Brereton, Police Commander for targeting of drug dealers is now “” and targeting of drug available for low-cost hire, Stoke Central, said: “Operation core business for us and that’s allowing disabled visitors to Nemesis is the overarching brand reflected in the continuous dealers is now core cycle around the lake’s one name for the Staffordshire Police reduction in serious acquisitive fight against drug dealers. “Clearly our message to the crime and increased community business for us and mile-long level footpath. “Since it was developed and criminals it’s that it’s not satisfaction levels, particularly in Anyone interested in launched in Stoke-on-Trent, acceptable to be a drug dealer but the area of tackling what matters that’s reflected in the volunteering to hundreds and hundreds of dealers Operation Nemesis is not just to our communities.” help or wishing to reduction in public find out more have been brought to justice in the about enforcement. ● city and the clear experience and “We work closely with partners Anyone with information on perception of how should call 01782 skills of officers on the ground has like the city council on the drug supply or use in the city 236667, email been transferred to Burton. prevention side too so we’re should contact Staffordshire much more reassured greendoor@ “We listen to communities, always trying to find ways of Police on 101 or the independent stoke.gov.uk or learn what is going on and act on helping individuals to address charity Crimestoppers they feel. visit stoke.gov.uk/leisure/ what they tell us. their offending and not do it anonymously on 0800 555 111. Our City p30 18/3/13 15:29 Page 1

30 Our City SPRING/SUMMER 2013 No cold-calling Support package will help people zone launched in Trentham kick smoking habit STOKE-on-Trent City Council has introduced the REE advice and initiative in Trentham after 100 per cent of support to help residents supported the scheme in a recent Fpeople kick the consultation. smoking habit for good The zone will cover Allerton Road,Trentley is available across Road, Malvern Close, Cranbrook Close, Perthy Stoke-on-Trent. Grove, Churchill Avenue and Churchill Way. Spring is an ideal time to The scheme has already been used start thinking about a fresh successfully in many parts of the country and start and join the thousands city to reduce levels of distraction burglary and of people who have already rogue trading. quit and start enjoying some The Trentham zone comes in the wake of an of the benefits of not incident in December when an elderly resident smoking. was conned out of £32,000 by a fake company. That means fresher The work, including hedge cutting, the breath, clearer skin and erection of a fence, driveway resurfacing and more spare cash to spend... double glazing, was grossly overpriced.The just a few of the great things company’s address, details of the owner and people notice when they go smokefree. telephone number were found to be bogus. Many people trying to Councillor Janine quit smoking find Bridges, pictured, Cabinet withdrawal symptoms from Member for Housing, the nicotine they crave can Neighbourhoods and make them fall at the first Community Safety, hurdle. pictured, said:“We take a zero tolerance approach to Control the cravings con artists who dupe older But support, together with people out of their savings. stop smoking medicines These acts are absolutely such as patches or gum, can despicable and we will take action against really help them control the anyone found to be carrying them out. cravings and has been “People should not be in fear in their own proven to mean they are homes and we believe that the new initiative in much more likely to stay Stoke-on-Trent Stop Vicky Scott, a Health Improvement Practitioner, carries Trentham will give residents a peace of mind as smokefree. Smoking Service offers out a carbon monoxide test on a smoker who wants to well as acting as a stern warning to rogue Vicky Scott, a Health free support from NHS kick the habit. traders who are considering targeting our city.” Improvement Practitioner at accredited Stop Smoking Staffordshire and Residents in the zone who continue to be Advisors, together with Stoke-on-Trent Partnership cold called by traders offering to sell goods before, but has not managed to stop Nicotine Replacement NHS Trust, said: “We offer one to one or Therapy (NRT), such as or services should contact trading standards group support sessions at lots of locations completely need not worry. patches or gum, for the on 01782 232065. Other suspicious callers around the city, together with access to stop Vicky said: “It can take some people should be reported to the police on 101. smoking medicines for prescription cost or several attempts before they quit smoking cost of a prescription or for Anyone who feels afraid, harassed, for free to those exempt from charges. for good. Every time they try to quit they free to those exempt from threatened or intimidated at any time by “Our experienced, trained Stop Smoking will learn something from that attempt that charges. doorstep callers should ring 999 and report the Advisors will help anyone who wants to they can take into the next one.” Telephone: 0800 085 0928 incident to the police. quit smoking by drawing up a personal plan ● If you would like more information which is reviewed in weekly support about the options available to help you Text: ‘stokequit’ to 60777 sessions. Support is available for people for to stop smoking, please call Facebook.com/NHSSmoke up to 12 weeks free of charge.” Stoke-on-Trent Stop Smoking Service freeStoke New 111 number to Anyone who has tried to give up smoking on 0800 085 0928. contact NHS services NHS 111 is a new service starting on 1 April to Pupils warned of the make it easier to access local healthcare services. Residents should call 111 when they need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 danger of grass fires emergency. NHS 111 is a fast and easy SCHOOLS are being targeted as Broadhead said:“Those who way to get the right help, part of a campaign to cut the start small deliberate fires put whatever the time. number of deliberate grass fires. their life and those of the On average, Staffordshire Fire community and local wildlife at WHEN TO USE IT: and Rescue Service attends risk while wasting resources ● Dial 111 service if you 1,200 grass fires a year. Almost that could be saving a life urgently need medical half of them are during school elsewhere. help or advice but it's not a holidays and more than 85 per “Incidents like this are much life-threatening situation. cent are started deliberately. higher during school holidays, CALL 111 IF: Emails have gone out to all particularly from Easter ● You need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 headteachers in Stoke-on-Trent onwards.We want to raise emergency. asking them to help deliver the awareness that grass fires can ● You think you need to go to A&E or need Flames Aren’t Games message. spread quickly and the another NHS urgent care service. Prevention teams will be consequences of starting them. ● You don't know who to call or you don’t have visiting schools and touring “As well as a potential police a GP to call. neighbourhoods in problem record, these actions could also ● You need health information or reassurance areas. impact on future employment about what to do next. Parents are also being prospects.” ● For less urgent health needs, contact your GP encouraged to ensure their ● Anyone who sees a fire or local pharmacist in the usual way. children are aware of the should call 999. If you know ● For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, dangers of starting fires who started a blaze, please call continue to call 999. deliberately. Crimestoppers anonymously on Staffordshire Fire and Rescue firefighters battle to stop a Prevention Manager Donna 0800 555 111. grass fire causing even more damage. Our City p31 18/3/13 15:34 Page 1

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Our City 31 Great outdoors activity a popular visit for all SCHOOLS, community groups skills and knowing the and residents are being importance of teamwork. encouraged to try their hand “We can turn archery lessons at outdoor activities. into maths lessons and the Stanley Head Outdoor activities have clear links with Education Centre is taking raising attainment within advance bookings for schools.” adventure days and residential As well as school visits, visits for everything from leisure bookings for parties educational courses to and celebrations can be made corporate events and hen, for groups of five upwards stag and birthday from seven-year-olds up to parties. adults. Activities include Adam added:“Activity canoeing, climbing, parties for children are orienteering, popular but we can also sailing and a high arrange weekends with a ropes course. A difference for adults who are mobile climbing looking for an adventure and a wall is available chance to try something for community different.” events and Accommodation is available parties. at the facility, in Stanley, in a Head of Centre converted barn, an old Adam Geens said: farmhouse, a purpose-built “Kids love the dormitory and tents. activities and can return ● For more information, email from them with a [email protected], confidence boost, greater self visit www.stanleyhead.org.uk esteem, better communication or telephone 01782 503208.

Niamh Gallagher, 6, and Declan Charles, 4, on the Tanja Lind, third generation all-weather 16, on foreign pitch at Hardman Football exchange from Development Centre. Finland enjoys the facilities at Inset,Voluntary Committee Stanley Head. Member Andrew Smith at the popular facility. Soccer centre is at top of league state-of-the-art Working with a range of “The centre has great facilities football centre that partners, the centre is home to and is in an idyllic spot. Once Adoubles as a the Milton Youth League and you are through the gates you Milton Carnival and can play could be anywhere because it community facility is host to fundraisers, birthday feels so secluded, yet safe at the looking for more support. parties and other events. same time. The Hardman Football A drive has been launched to “Committee members are Development Centre in Milton is bring in more bookings and always open to ideas for events run in partnership with the city recruit volunteers to help with and are happy to help with council. the management of the centre. catering or planning.” It boasts nine high-quality Councillor Mark Meredith, The building was erected on grass pitches, a floodlit third Cabinet Member for Economic the site of the former Milton generation all-weather pitch, Development, Culture and Lads and Dads Centre, off modern changing rooms, Sport, said: “The centre has Millrise Road. catering facilities and a always been popular but we are ● For more information, or to function/training room as well as looking to build on that and get book the centre, call caretaker ample secure parking. more people in. John Hughes on 07957 621868.

Our City is published by a partnership of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, NHS Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue

Web: stoke.gov.uk New non-emergency number: 101 Free Home Fire Risk Check: 0800 0241 999 Facebook: facebook.com/ In an emergency always call: 999 For all other enquiries: 08451 221155 stokeontrent.citycouncil Web: www.staffordshire.police.uk In an emergency always call: 999 Twitter: @SoTCityCouncil Facebook: facebook/staffordshirepolice Web: www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk twitter.com/SoTCityCouncil Twitter: @staffspolice Web: www.stoke.nhs.uk Twitter: twitter.com/staffsfire Tel: 01782 234234 YouTube: YouTube/staffordshirepolice Tel: 01782 298002 Facebook: facebook.com/ staffordshirefireandrescueservice

Contact us by mail at FREEPOST Our City or by email at [email protected] or telephone 01782 236703 Information in Our City correct at the time of going to press. Our City p32 18/3/13 15:35 Page 1

32 Our City SPRING/SUMMER 2013

Abbey Hulton and Townsend GWEN HASSALL ADRIAN KNAPPER (Labour) (Labour) Your 07557 848765 07714 334453 gwen.hassall@ adrian.knapper@ Councillors stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Baddeley,Milton and Norton Bentilee and Ubberley JACK BRERETON ANDREW LILLEY DUNCAN WALKER SHEILA PITT ALISON (Conservative) (Unaffiliated) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07855 916134 07717 714010 (01782) 912422 07957 948896 07968 477901 jack.brereton@ andy.lilley@ duncan.walker@ sheila.pitt@ alison.wedgwood@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Birches Head and Central Forest Park Blurton East Blurton West and Newstead Boothen and Oakhill PAUL BREEZE MARK MEREDITH GLENYS WARD NEIL DAY ANDY PLATT (Unaffiliated) (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 279684 07717 714020 (01782) 312670 (01782) 598844 07919 660221 paul.breeze@ mark.meredith@ 07922 909545 07796 040002 andy.platt@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk glenys.ward@ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk Twitter: stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @markmeredith01 @CllrAndyST4

Bradeley and Chell Heath Broadway and Longton East Burslem Central Burslem Park Dresden and Florence GURMEET SINGH TOM REYNOLDS ALAN DUTTON JOY GARNER SHAZAD HUSSAIN KALLAR (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07850 828717 (01782) 824051 (01782) 768846 07899 771815 07900 604232 tom.reynolds@ 07982 231567 07986 442770 shazad.hussain@ gurmeetsingh.kallar@ stoke.gov.uk alan.dutton@ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Twitter: stoke.gov.uk @longtontom.

Eaton Park Etruria and Hanley Fenton East Fenton West and Mount Pleasant Ford Green and Smallthorne TERRY CROWE MAJID KHAN PAUL SHOTTON KAREN CLARKE MATT WILCOX (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 269422 07989 441707 (01782) 434445 07917 270594 07810 825600 07818 044755 majid.khan@ paul.shotton@ karen.clarke@ matt.wilcox@ terry.crowe@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Goldenhill and Sandyford Great Chell and Packmoor Hanford and Trentham MARTIN GARNER JANINE BRIDGES ANN JAMES TERENCE FOLLOWS PETER HAYWARD (Labour) (Labour) (City Independents) (City Independents) (City Independents) (01782) 768846 (01782) 851842 (01782) 836766 (01782) 318127 (01782) 644052 martin.garner@ 07989 385631/ ann.james@ 07944 055379 07920 835839 stoke.gov.uk 07717 714205 stoke.gov.uk terence.follows@ peter.hayward@ janine.bridges@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Hanley Park and Shelton Hartshill and Basford Hollybush and Longton West Joiner’s Square North and Normacot AMJID WAZIR SHAUN PENDER KATH BANKS ALASTAIR WATSON BAGH ALI (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07747 830461 (01782) 632104 (01782) 399759 07736 837822 (01782) 343246 amjid.wazir@ 07825 142327 07790 699379 alastair.watson@ 07973 848428 stoke.gov.uk shaun.pender@ kath.banks@ stoke.gov.uk [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @CllrActional22

Little Chell and Stanfield Meir Hay Meir North Meir Park Meir South RUTH ROSENAU DAVID CONWAY MUHAMMAD AUMIR (Labour) ABI BROWN DEBBIE WHEELDON (City Independents) (Labour) (01782) 501940 (Conservative) (Labour) (01782) 790922 07886 581082 07870 503575 07793 844169 (01782) 595043 david.conway@ muhammad.aumir@ ruth.rosenau@ abi.brown@ 07870 777807 stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk debbie.wheeldon@ Twitter: stoke.gov.uk @CllrRuthRosenau

Moorcroft Penkhull and Stoke Sandford Hill Springfields and Trent Vale MOHAMMED PERVEZ RANDOLPH CONTEH OLWEN HAMER DEBRA GRATTON JACKIE BARNES (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (City Independents) (01782) 232468 (01782) 256869 07717 714207 07917 854981 (01782) 845619 / mohammed.pervez@ 07920 835902 olwen.hamer@ debra.gratton@ 07813 539410 stoke.gov.uk randolph.conteh@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk jackie.barnes@stoke. Twitter: stoke.gov.uk Twitter: gov.uk @pervezstoke @debra_gratton

Tunstall Weston Coyney FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE: LEE WANGER MATTHEW FRY Cabinet meetings are scheduled at 5.30pm: The Annual Meeting of the Full City Council (City Independents) (Labour) 28 March 2013, 25 April 2013 amd 23 May meeting takes place at 11.00am on 16 May 07971 303729 07826 891801 2013. lee.wanger@ matthew.fry@ 2013. stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk For more information on your councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillors Councillors can also be contacted through the Councillor and Civic Support Team who can take messages and forward them on.They can be contacted on (01782) 231922 or 231924.

Information on city councillors was correct at the time of going to press.